Dual Roles ofMETCAMin the Progression of Different Cancers

[摘要] METCAM, an integral membrane cell adhesion molecule (CAM) in theIg-like gene superfamily, is capable of performing typical functions ofCAMs, such as mediating cell-cell and cell-extracellular interactions, crosstalk with intracellular signaling pathways, and modulating social behaviors of cells.METCAMis expressed in about nine normal cells/tissues. Aberrant expression ofMETCAMhas been associated with the progression of several epithelial tumors. Furtherin vitroandin vivostudies show thatMETCAMplays a dual role in the progression of different tumors. It can promote the malignant progression of several tumors. On the other hand, it can suppress the malignant progression of other tumors. We suggest that the role ofMETCAMin the progression of different cancer types may be modulated by different intrinsic factors present in different cancer cells and also in different stromal microenvironment. Many possible mechanisms mediated by thisCAMduring early tumor development and metastasis are suggested.

[学科分类] 肿瘤学