IGF-IR, Cell Adhesion and Metastasis
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is a multifunctional tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in breast cancer. Current evidence suggests an important role of the IGF-IR in the growth and survival of ER-positive primary breast tumors. However, the function of the IGF-IR in breast cancer metastasis is unknown. Previously we have shown that IGF-I induces cell-cell adhesion in breast cancer cells. Consequently, we proposed to investigate the molecular mechanism of IGF-IR-stimulated cell adhesion, and the role of IGF-IR overexpression in breast cancer metastasis. We demonstrated that the IGF-IR promotes cell-cell adhesion through the E-cadherin (E-cad)- complex. The effects of the IGF-IR depend on tyrosine kinase activity of the receptor and require the expression of a junction protein ZO-1. The IGF-IR, however, does not influence the levels or phosphorylation status of E-cad, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenins. In experimental metastasis model, E-cad-positive cells overexpressing the IGF-R have reduced metastatic potential.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA400067
Entities
People
- Eva Surmacz
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University