How do cytoskeletal changes contribute to cancer cell invasion?
Invasion is a hallmark of cancer that involves the penetration of cancer cells into surrounding tissues. Cytoskeletal changes, particularly in actin and microtubule networks, enhance the invasive capability of cancer cells. Actin remodeling is driven by various signaling pathways that lead to the activation of proteins such as Rho GTPases, which regulate actin polymerization and depolymerization. Microtubule dynamics are modulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and motor proteins like kinesins and dyneins, facilitating cellular invasion through the extracellular matrix.
