How Does the Loss of E-cadherin Promote Cancer Progression?
The loss of E-cadherin disrupts cell-cell adhesion, thereby enhancing cellular motility and invasiveness. This disruption facilitates the detachment of cancer cells from the primary tumor mass, allowing them to invade surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream—a critical step in metastasis. Moreover, the loss of E-cadherin can activate signaling pathways that promote cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis.
