The role of E-cadherin in neoplastic evolution of epithelial cells

Interaction of the extracellular domains of the transmembrane proteins cadherins provides cell-cell adhesion. For many years epithelial E- cadherin was regarded as a tumor suppressor and was used as a prognostic marker in cancer. Suppression of E-cadherin expression was observed in many carcinomas. During recent years, the tumor suppressor function of E-cadherin is being reconsidered. It has been shown that ductal breast carcinomas, colorectal carcinomas, oral cavity carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck can retain E-cadherin expression. Immunohistochemical staining with a panel of monoclonal antibodies revealed membrane localization of E-cadherin in many tumors. It was shown that transformed epithelial cells in vitro form dynamic adherens junctions that are essential for the effective collective migration of these cells.