Cadherin-catenin signaling in ovarian cancer progression

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is a highly metastatic disease and has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological tumors. In contrast to many other types of cancer that metastasize through lymphatics and/or hematogenous routes, ovarian cancer metastasizes by peritoneal dissemination, which relies on the ability of cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor, adhere to, and eventually invade through the peritoneum. This involves dynamic changes in cell-cell adhesion, which is primarily mediated by cell surface receptors known as cadherins. In this review, we will describe the unique profiles of cadherins with their associated signal molecules, catenins, in ovarian cancer and the roles of these adhesion molecules in disease development, tumor cell progression, and the formation of ascites. We will discuss how cadherins perform these functions and their link to a variety of signaling pathways. Finally, we will review the recent findings regarding the potential of cadherins as new therapeutic targets in the treatment of ovarian cancer.