Tumorigenesis is a multistep process, by which cells acquire genetic and
epigenetic alterations in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, which provide
growth and/or survival advantage. Subsequent alterations may condemn these
pre-malignant cells into malignant ones with invasive and metastatic abilities.
Proto-oncogenes of the Src-family kinases have been linked to tumorigenesis and
their over-expression and activation described in breast cancer. Increased Src
activity has been associated with increased cell proliferation, survival, epithelialmesenchymal
transition (EMT), migration, invasion and metastasis. Although Src
is well-known to trigger cancer cell mobility, migration and invasion, through
regulation of filamentous actin (F-actin), whether it also uses F-actin to promote
proliferation and survival of tumour cells at pre-malignant stages remains
unknown. Our lab has demonstrated that Src promotes apical F-actin
accumulation in Drosophila epithelia. In turn, F-actin limits Src-induced apoptosis
or tissue overgrowth.(...)Fundação Calouste GulbenkianLiga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro/Pfize
