The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Tumor Progression
A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Pathophysiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 5766
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The cytoskeleton is an organized, dynamic meshwork of protein filaments that reinforce cell membranes, provide cell shape and structural integrity, and facilitate essential cellular functions. The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is composed of three classes of filamentous fibers: actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cells utilize a dynamic cytoskeleton to generate force that propels them into and through the extracellular space. Cytoskeletal filament polymerization and/or tractional tension generated against existing filaments provides that force. Differences in ECM adhesions, actin protrusions, and actomyosin contractility characterize cellular motility patterns (i.e., amoeboid, collective, mesenchymal motility). These features are dictated by differences in gene expression, signaling activity, and environmental factors.
Loss of control over cellular motility pathways is a central feature of malignancy. Dynamic remodeling of both the actin and microtubule cytoskeletal systems is required for microstructural and macrostructural patterns for tumor cell invasion. Understanding the contributions of mechanisms underlying dynamic cytoskeleton remodeling in motile cancer cells will support generation of therapeutics targeting cancer cell motility to aid in the control of tumor progression. This Special Issue seeks to highlight the current state of the art in basic and (pre)clinical cytoskeleton research in tumor cell motility, including understanding the formation of pro-invasion cytoskeletal structures (e.g., invadopodia, tumor microtubes, or tunneling nanotubes, amongst others) which may contribute to therapeutic resistance and disease progression.
Prof. Dr. Kathryn M. Eisenmann
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- cytoskeleton
- actin
- tubulin
- invasion
- metastasis
- Rho GTPase
- tumor microtube
- tunneling nanotube
- targeted therapy
- tumor progression
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