[Structure and function of cell adhesion molecules in selectin family and their roles in cancer metastasis]

Abstract

Cell adhesion molecules of selectin family are involved in the metastasis of cancer at the step of attachment of cancer cells to endothelial cells. P-selectin mediated adhesion of cancer cells with platelets, and L-selectin mediated adhesion of leukocytes to cancer cells would also be involved in the process of hematogenous metastasis through the microthrombus formation. Upon adhesion to cancer cells, platelets and leukocytes secrete cytokines that induce E-selectin expression of endothelial cells, and this further facilitates hematogenous metastasis.