Regulation of cell morphology and growth by syndecan-1: Altered expression in malignancy

Abstract

This chapter discusses the regulation of cell morphology and growth by syndecan-1. The characteristic features of multicellular organisms are the reciprocal interaction of cells with each other and with the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for the maintenance and function of different tissues. In addition to ECM components, cells secrete and respond to numerous growth factors. Both ECM and growth factors have profound effects on cell proliferation, polarity, motility, and differentiation. These effects are especially important during embryonic development but are also required for the maintenance of local tissue organization and differentiation in mature tissues. Cellular responses to ECM and growth factors are mediated by a complex set of specialized cell surface receptors. Neoplastic growth is associated with uncontrolled proliferation of cells, during which the ordered intercellular and cell-matrix interactions are disrupted. Acquirement of the invasive and metastatic phenotypes involve further alterations in the interactions of tumor cells with host cells and ECM, and may also require specialized adhesive events, for example, during the hematogenous spread of tumor cells.