Review on the molecular mechanism of talin- and integrin-dependent cancer invasion

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the world, representing one of the main economic burden in healthcare and research. The effort of research has been mainly focused on limiting of the growth of a localized tumor but most recently there is more attention focused on limiting the spreading of the cancer via invasion and metastasis. The signaling pathways behind these two processes, share many molecules with physiological pathways regulating cell adhesion and migration, and moreover, adhesion and migration processes themselves underlie tumor capabilities for invasion.In this work we reviewed the latest Literature about cancer development and invasion, and their connection to proteins regulating cell migration and adhesion, with a specific focus on talins and integrins. First we analyzed cancer epidemiology and risk factors behind carcinogenesis. Next, we concentrated on molecules regulating adhesion and migration in cells, and reviewed the latest finding describing molecular mechanisms of talin- and integrin-dependent cancer invasion. Finally, we summarized the most recent development and approaches to anti-cancer therapies, with particular focus on cell migration-related therapies.