Research project

Cell adhesion signaling and tumor/metastasis formation

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Contact: Bob van de Water

Interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment modulate tumor growth and progression. Connections with the extracellular matrix are mediated by transmembrane receptors termed “integrins”. These receptors, together with associated cytoplasmic proteins are organized into large multi-protein aggregates, termed “cell-matrix adhesions”. We study the dynamics of such cell matrix adhesions in relation to cell migration and we study how different integrins transmit different signals through Rho GTPases that cause distinct types of motile behavior. The importance of identified pathways is explored in in vivo metastasis models. In addition, we study the cross talk between oncogenes such as Src and Ras and different types of integrins in relation to tumor growth. Finally, dynamic interactions between epithelial cells and 3D extracellular matrices are studied in an in vitro morphogenesis model.

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