Adhesion-Dependent Regulation of Cell Growth and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer
Abstract
The ability of a tumor cell to grow outside its local environment (metastasize) is a major problem in the development and therapeutic treatment of breast cancer. The loss of the requirement for cell-matrix interactions plays a critical role in the development of cancer. Normal epithelial cells require attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) not only for proliferation but also for survival, as disruption of cell-ECM interactions can result in reversible cell growth arrest and induction of apoptosis, a phenomenon termed 'anoikis'. Elucidating the mechanisms by which the interactions of cells with the ECM generate and regulate downstream signals that promote cell growth and survival is critical to understanding cancer. Activation of actomyosin contractility is an essential Step during adhesion-dependent signaling. We are studying the role of specific components of the actin cytoskeleton whose expression have been implicated in the transformed phenotype. These studies will provide important new information concerning the role of these actin filament-associated proteins in adhesion-dependent cell signaling and the potential of inhibiting signal transduction pathways dependent on actomyosin contractility as a therapeutic target and adjuvant for the treatment of breast cancer, as well as other cancers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA394136
Entities
People
- David M. Helfman
Organizations
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory