[Biology of metastases and molecular mechanisms of their formation].

Metastasis in cancer patients is often associated with a poor prognosis. However, we still have limited knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms, due to the great complexity of the biological processes involved in the formation of metastases. During tumor progression, the metastatic cells acquire genetic and epigenetic modifications allowing them to adapt to the various environments they will encounter (in the circulation and the host microenvironment) and to resist to the antitumor therapeutic agents.

Distinct expression profiles and functions of Kindlins in breast cancer.

Background: Kindlin-1, - 2, and - 3 are the three members of the Kindlin family. They are best known as regulators of integrin functions, contributing to fundamental biological processes such as cell survival, adhesion and migration. Their deregulation leads to diverse pathologies including a broad range of cancers in which both, tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting functions have been described.

VOPP1 promotes breast tumorigenesis by interacting with the tumor suppressor WWOX.

Background: The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene, frequently altered in breast cancer, encodes a tumor suppressor whose function is mediated through its interactions with cancer-related proteins, such as the pro-apoptotic protein p73α.

Results: To better understand the involvement of WWOX in breast tumorigenesis, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and co-immunoprecipitation assays to identify novel partners of this protein. We characterized the vesicular overexpressed in cancer pro-survival protein 1 (VOPP1) as a new regulator of WWOX.

Tumour spheres with inverted polarity drive the formation of peritoneal metastases in patients with hypermethylated colorectal carcinomas.

Metastases account for 90% of cancer-related deaths; thus, it is vital to understand the biology of tumour dissemination. Here, we collected and monitored >50 patient specimens ex vivo to investigate the cell biology of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastatic spread to the peritoneum. This reveals an unpredicted mode of dissemination.