%0 Journal Article
%T Cadherin Cell Adhesion System in Canine Mammary Cancer: A Review
%A Adelina Gama
%A Fernando Schmitt
%J Veterinary Medicine International
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/357187
%X Cadherin-catenin adhesion complexes play important roles by providing cell-cell adhesion and communication in different organ systems. Abnormal expression of cadherin adhesion molecules constitutes a common phenomenon in canine mammary cancer and has been frequently implicated in tumour progression. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on cadherin/catenin adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, ¦Â-catenin, and P-cadherin) in canine mammary cancer, focusing on the putative biological functions and clinical significance of these molecules in this disease. This paper highlights the need for further research studies in this setting in order to elucidate the role of these adhesion molecules during tumour progression and metastasis. 1. Introduction In canine species, spontaneous mammary tumours constitute the second most frequent neoplasia, surpassed only by skin tumours. When considering female dogs, mammary tumours represent the most common neoplasia, with malignant tumours accounting for up to 50% of cases [1]. Therefore, this disease represents a serious problem in worldwide veterinary practice and is a matter of concern for both oncologists and pathologists, which is ultimately reflected on the escalating number of studies in this research area. Furthermore, canine mammary tumours have attracted considerable attention over the years as possible animal models for human mammary neoplasia, based on their morphological and biological similarities [2¨C4]. Mammary tumours of the female dog are commonly associated with the development of distant metastases, which ultimately leads to morbidity and mortality. In the initial steps of this complex biological process, neoplastic cells lose intercellular adhesion in order to invade local tissues, and it is now evident that tumour invasion and progression may result from changes in cell adhesion systems. Based on sequence homology and structure, cell adhesion molecules are divided into the following families: cadherins, selectins, integrins, the immunoglobulin superfamily, and lymphocyte homing receptors, such as CD44 [5]. In this paper, we will discuss the findings on cadherin-mediated cell adhesion systems in canine mammary cancer, focusing on the putative biological functions and clinical significance of these molecules in this disease. 2. Overview of Cadherins Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules, believed to be essential in coordinating morphogenetic cell movements and in the maintenance of normal tissue architecture [6¨C8]. Over the last two decades, cadherin research has been focused on its
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2012/357187/