Lamellipodia and filopodia play crucial roles in the
metastatic cascade, which involves several steps: local invasion, intravasation, survival in circulation, extravasation, and colonization of distant tissues.
Local Invasion: Lamellipodia enable cancer cells to move through the extracellular matrix and invade surrounding tissues. They provide the necessary force for cells to migrate and navigate through complex tissue structures.
Intravasation: Filopodia help cancer cells enter blood vessels by sensing and adhering to endothelial cells. They can also form
invadopodia, specialized protrusions that degrade the extracellular matrix and facilitate entry into the bloodstream.
Survival in Circulation: Once in circulation, cancer cells must survive the hostile environment of the bloodstream. Filopodia can help cells attach to platelets and other components, forming clusters that protect them from immune attacks.
Extravasation: To colonize distant organs, cancer cells must exit the bloodstream. Filopodia play a role in recognizing and adhering to the endothelial cells lining the target tissue, allowing them to exit the blood vessel.
Colonization: After exiting the bloodstream, cancer cells need to establish new tumors.
Lamellipodia facilitate the spread and invasion of these cells into the new tissue environment.
