How Do Intermediate Filaments Influence Cancer Progression?
Intermediate filaments, such as vimentin and keratins, provide mechanical strength to cells and are involved in signaling pathways. In cancer, changes in the expression patterns of intermediate filaments can be indicative of tumor progression and metastasis. For example, the upregulation of vimentin is often associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal properties and become more migratory and invasive.
