Actin Cytoskeleton in Cancer Progression and Metastasis - Part C

The actin cytoskeleton and its structural regulators play crucial roles in cancer progression and metastasis, including cell morphology, migration, invasion, and immune evasion. This volume in the International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology series explores these processes in depth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

The actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis, encompassing various central processes. It involves alterations in cell morphology, gene expression, acquisition of migratory and invasive capabilities, and evasion from the immune response. This comprehensive volume, Part C, Volume 358 in the International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology series, delves into the roles of the actin cytoskeleton and its key structural regulators, including WASp, Paxillin, Myosin, Testin, L-Plastin, and profilin. It explores their involvement in processes such as changes in cell shape, migration, invasion, and immune escape. Additionally, new chapters cover topics such as actin isoforms in cancer, actin cytoskeleton regulators at invadopodia, cytoskeletal mechanics driving heterogeneity in epithelial ovarian cancer, and more. Understanding the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in cancer is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of protein filaments that provides structural support and mobility to cells. It plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell division, migration, and adhesion. In cancer, the actin cytoskeleton is hijacked by cancer cells to promote their growth, survival, and spread.

One of the key structural regulators of the actin cytoskeleton is WASp (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein). WASp is a member of the Wiskott-Aldrich family of proteins and is involved in the regulation of actin polymerization, which is the process by which actin filaments are assembled and disassembled. WASp can bind to actin filaments and regulate their assembly, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

Another important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton is Paxillin. Paxillin is a cell adhesion protein that is involved in the formation of focal adhesion complexes, which are important for cell-cell adhesion and cell migration. Paxillin can also bind to actin filaments and regulate their assembly, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

Myosin is a muscle protein that is involved in cell contraction and movement. In cancer, myosin can be overactivated, leading to cell migration and invasion. Myosin can also bind to actin filaments and regulate their assembly, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

Testin is a protein that is involved in the regulation of actin filament stability and dynamics. Testin can bind to actin filaments and regulate their stability, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

L-Plastin is a protein that is involved in the regulation of cell shape and motility. L-Plastin can bind to actin filaments and regulate their assembly, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

Profilin is a protein that is involved in the regulation of actin filament dynamics and stability. Profilin can bind to actin filaments and regulate their dynamics, leading to changes in cell shape and motility.

In cancer, the actin cytoskeleton is also regulated by other proteins and signaling pathways. For example, the Rho family of GTPases is involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is also involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell differentiation.

The actin cytoskeleton is also important in cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer cells can use the actin cytoskeleton to migrate through the body, invade surrounding tissues, and establish secondary tumors. Cancer cells can also use the actin cytoskeleton to evade the immune system by hiding from immune cells and promoting immune suppression.

In conclusion, the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial component of cancer biology and plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis. Understanding the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and its role in cancer is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128241387