Cancer cells exhibit a variety of differences from normal cells in cell adhesion, cell junctions, and cell effects on the extracellular matrix, some of which facilitate metastasis

Question

Explain three changes found in some cancer cells related to these aspects of cell structure and function.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Answers may include the following:
1) Cells may stop producing E-cadherin or other cadherins, which may be associated with an epithelial–mesenchymal transition and subsequent metastasis.
2) Cells may increase MMP secretion, which can cause localized ECM breakdown and facilitate metastasis through the ECM.
3) Cells may increase binding to the basal lamina, which can facilitate metastasis cell motility.
4) Cells may decrease synthesis and secretion of fibronectins, resulting in loss of cell shape and detachment from the ECM.
5) Cells may develop focal adhesion unresponsiveness to the Wnt signaling pathway, which normally would repress cell division and motility.
6) Cells may lose anchorage-dependence for growth, possibly through permanent FAK activation.