Characterization of novel molecular pathways regulating cancer cell migration

Cell migration is a fundamental process required in both physiological conditions, such as organ and tissue development, and pathological conditions including wound healing, inflammation and cancer.

In particular, cancer cell migration and invasion in the surrounding tissues is the initial step in cancer progression and metastasis formation, and metastasis is the most frequent cause of death for patients with cancer, being responsible of about 90% of cancer-associated mortality.

Despite this incredibly high mortality rate, not all the molecular mechanisms regulating the process of tumor cell migration and invasion are known. In order to develop successful strategies targeted against deregulated tumor-specific migratory mechanisms, it is essential to identify these cellular pathways that enable tumor cells to migrate and invade the surrounding tissues.