Role of cadherins and matrixins in melanoma

Cancer is generally viewed as the result of disrupted intra- and intercellu lar homeostatic regulation. Once the homeostatic balance is lost and malign ant transformation has occurred, microenvironmental factors such as degrada tion of matrix components and host-tumor interactions are essential for sur vival and growth of malignant cells. Within the previous year, cadherins an d matrixins (matrix metalloproteinases) have emerged as key factors in thes e processes. The pathways involved are interconnected and detailed knowledg e about the biologic significance of each member in a given pathway is esse ntial for our understanding of oncogenesis. Restoration of E-cadherin-media ted control over melanoma cells and modulation of the involved regulation p athways are promising novel therapeutic strategies. Another approach is the rational design of inhibitors that perturb matrix metalloproteinases in a particular cell type and interrupt tumor-specific proteinase activation cas cades. Advances in these fields will lead to the development of better tool s for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Curt Opin Oncol 2001, 13:117-123 (C) 2001 Lippincoti Williams & Wilkins, Inc.