RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The E-Cadherin Adhesion Molecule and Colorectal Cancer. A Global Literature Approach JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3815 OP 3826 VO 28 IS 6A A1 ELENA TSANOU A1 DIMITRIOS PESCHOS A1 ANNA BATISTATOU A1 ALEXANDROS CHARALABOPOULOS A1 KONSTANTINOS CHARALABOPOULOS YR 2008 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/28/6A/3815.abstract AB The E-cadherin-catenin complex plays a crucial role in epithelial cell cell adhesion and in the maintenance of tissue architecture. Down-regulation of E-cadherin expression correlates with a strong invasive potential, resulting in poor prognosis in human carcinomas. Progress has been made in understanding the interaction between the different components of this protein complex and how this cell-cell adhesion complex is modulated in cancer cells. The present study is an update of the role of E-cadherin in human colorectal cancer. It emphasizes new features and the possible role of the complex in clinical practice, discussed in the light of references obtained from the Medline database from 1987 to 2007. In colorectal carcinomas, changes in E-cadherin expression have been correlated with tumour size, histopathology and differentiation, but results are still inconsistent. Further studies may yield greater insight into the early molecular interactions critical to the interaction between adhesion molecules and tumour initiation and progression. This should aid the development of novel strategies for both prevention and treatment of cancer. Copyright© 2008 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved