Characterization of very acidic phagosomes in breast cancer cells and their association with invasion.

Human metastatic breast cancer cells in culture contain large acidic vesicles (diameter 5-10 microns) in which endocytosed extracellular matrix can be digested by activated lysosomal proteinases such as cathepsin D (P. Montcourrier et al. (1990).

[The presence of large acidic vesicles is correlated with in vitro invasive potential of breast cancer cells].

Human breast cancer cells include large acidic vesicles (LAVs) containing endocytosed extracellular matrix (P. Montcourrier et al., Cancer Res.