Can Targeting Lamellipodia and Filopodia Serve as a Therapeutic Strategy?
Given their critical roles in metastasis, targeting lamellipodia and filopodia represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Several approaches could be considered:
Inhibiting Actin Polymerization: Drugs that disrupt actin dynamics, such as cytochalasin D, can impair the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia, reducing cancer cell motility. Targeting Rho GTPases: Inhibitors of Rac1 and Cdc42 can specifically disrupt lamellipodia and filopodia formation, respectively, hindering cancer cell migration and invasion. Blocking Integrin Signaling: Antibodies or small molecules that inhibit integrin function can reduce cell-ECM interactions, impairing the traction required for cell movement. Interfering with Actin-Binding Proteins: Targeting proteins like Arp2/3 and formins can disrupt the actin nucleation and elongation processes, reducing the formation of these protrusions.
