Highlights in Cancer Research: November 2023

The EACR’s ‘Highlights in Cancer Research’ is a regular summary of the most interesting and impactful recent papers in cancer research, curated by the Board of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR).

The list below appears in no particular order, and the summary information has been provided by the authors unless otherwise indicated.

Use the dropdown menu or ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ buttons to navigate the list.

10. VE-Cadherin modulates β-catenin/TCF-4 to enhance Vasculogenic Mimicry

Delgado-Bellido, D., Zamudio-Martínez, E. et al. Cell Death & Disease. 14:135. (2023).
doi: 10.1038/s41419-023-05666-7.

Summary, future impact and graphical abstract by Alexandra Boitor, EACR Scientific Officer

Summary of the findings

Vasculogenic mimicry, or the ability of aggressive cancer cells to form a blood network independently from endothelial cells, is associated with highly invasive tumours and treatment failure. In this paper, Delgado-Bellido et al. are building on previous research from F. J. Oliver’s laboratory on VE-cadherin involvement in the FAK pathway in melanoma. The authors unveil a role for Y658 phosphorylated VE-cadherin in the process of vasculogenic mimicry at an epigenetic level, by enhancing the activity of the TCF-4 transcriptional factor by the FAK-dependent formation of a VE-Cadherin/β-catenin/TCF-4 complex.

Future impact

Results from this study hold the promise of improving current treatments for melanoma. The authors suggest that a new treatment approach that combines FAK inhibitors with anti-angiogenic treatments could reduce tumour growth.

Read more in Cell Death & Disease