Cell communication

• Describe Translocation of beta-catenin in EMT

  Cells at the centre of the tumour express beta-catenin at the plasma membrane, whereas cells at the invasive front express beta-catenin in the nucleus, which induces expression of EMT genes.
• Describe the role of src in EMT

  Increased src activity results in disruption of cell to cell adhesions, which facilitates invasive growth. In invading tumour cells, src regulates the assembly and turnover of focal adhesions, which are critical in cell migration. Inhibition of src reduces tumour cell invasion and delays dissemination.
• What is desmoplasia?

  Excessive fibrous tissue formation in response to a tumor. This is strongly linked to poor patient prognosis.