[Role of vimentin in tumor metastasis and drug research].

Abstract

Vimentin is the major intermediate filament (IF) protein of mesenchymal cells. Recent studies have shown that vimentin was closely linked with tumorigenesis and metastasis. Vimentin could regulate the interaction between cytoskeletal proteins with cell adhesion molecules and thereby participate in cell adhesion, migration, invasion and cell signal transduction in tumor cells, tumor-associated endothelial cells and macrophages. Its highly dynamic balances between polymer and depolymerization and its complex phosphorylation may serve as the regulation mechanisms for tumor metastasis and cell-cell interactions. Vimentin is likely to be a new target for anti-metastatic therapies and research.

• Authors: Yan Pan, Jing Han, Ye Zhang, Xue-Jun Li
• Journal: Sheng li ke xue jin zhan [Progress in physiology] (Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan) Vol. 41 Issue 6 Pg. 413-6 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 0559-7765 [Print] China
• PMID: 21416957 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Cytoskeletal Proteins
• Vimentin

Topics

• Animals
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Cell Adhesion
• Cell Communication
• Cell Movement
• Cytoskeletal Proteins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Neoplasm Metastasis
• Neoplasms (physiopathology)
• Phosphorylation
• Signal Transduction
• Vimentin (physiology)