In the process of metastasis, which molecule do tumor cells typically downregulate to detach from neighboring cells?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: E-cadherin
E-cadherin is the 'intercellular glue' that holds epithelial cells together. Loss of E-cadherin (often via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) is a critical step that allows cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor and invade the stroma.
Keep practicing
More Carcinogenesis questions
- Which of the following is an example of an 'Oncogenic RNA Virus'?
- Which DNA repair deficiency is associated with a high risk of skin cancer due to the inability to repair UV-induced damage?
- What is the role of 'Angiogenesis' in tumor growth?
- Which of the following describes the 'Initiation' stage of chemical carcinogenesis?
- The 'Two-Hit Hypothesis' by Knudson is most famously associated with the development of which tumor?
- Which of the following is considered a 'Direct-acting' chemical carcinogen?