The alterations in the cell membrane of cancer cells can contribute to several key aspects of cancer progression:
Increased Proliferation: Changes in membrane receptor expression can lead to continuous activation of growth signaling pathways. Enhanced Migration and Invasion: Alterations in adhesion molecules and enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix facilitate the ability of cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. Immune Evasion: Modified glycosylation patterns and the expression of immune checkpoint proteins on the cell membrane help cancer cells avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.
