A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a molecular mechanism that may explain how cancer cells are able to invade other tissues in the body. The findings could have implications for the development of new treatments for cancer.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK, focused on a specific type of protein called “integrin”, which is involved in the process of cell adhesion and migration. After studying the structure of integrin, the researchers were able to identify a mechanism which allows cancer cells to invade other tissues.

The researchers found that a particular type of integrin, called “CD47”, is able to attach to a type of cell receptor called “LFA-1”, which is found on the surface of other cells. This allows cancer cells to move around and invade other tissues.

The findings could open up new possibilities for developing treatments that target this molecular mechanism, which could be used to limit the spread of cancer cells and improve survival rates.

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source: Phys.org