Polarity proteins in migration and invasion

Oncogene. 2008 Nov 24;27(55):6970-80. doi: 10.1038/onc.2008.347.

Abstract

Cancer is the result of the deregulation of cell proliferation and cell migration. In advanced tumors, cells invade the surrounding tissue and eventually form metastases. This is particularly evident in carcinomas in which epithelial cells have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Increased cell migration often correlates with a weakening of intercellular interactions. Junctions between neighboring epithelial cells are required to establish and maintain baso-apical polarity, suggesting that not only loss of cell-cell adhesion but also alteration of cell polarity is involved during invasion. Accordingly, perturbation of cell polarity is an important hallmark of advanced invasive tumors. Cell polarity is also essential for cell migration. Indeed, a front-rear polarity axis has first to be generated to allow a cell to migrate. Because cells migrate during invasion, cell polarity is not completely lost. Instead, polarity is modified. From a nonmigrating baso-apically polarized epithelial phenotype, cells acquire a polarized migrating mesenchymal phenotype. The aim of this review is to highlight the molecular relationship between the control of cell polarity and the regulation of cell motility during oncogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Polarity* / genetics
  • Cell Polarity* / physiology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / physiopathology*
  • Oncogenes / physiology
  • Protein Transport / genetics
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins