Colon cancer cell adhesion depends on the extracellular environment and pressure induced intracellular signaling

PhD ceremony: dhr. J.R.N. van der Voort van Zyp, 11.00 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Colon cancer cell adhesion depends on the extracellular environment and pressure induced intracellular signaling

Promotor(s): prof.dr. H.J. Hoekstra, prof.dr. M.D. Basson

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Contact: UMCG spokesperson, tel. +3150-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting@bvl.umcg.nl

Surgical procedures for colon cancer often cause spillage of tumor cells into the peritoneal cavity or into the circulation. When tumor cells are shed into the circulation or peritoneal cavity they are subjected to increased pressure conditions. Under these conditions a signaling cascade within the cell is activated. This can promote cell adhesion and eventual metastasis. Until recently it was unclear which processes occurred within the spilled tumor cell before adhesion. In this thesis tumor cells are exposed to specific intracellular signaling inhibitors under increased pressure conditions. Through inhibition of these signals it is possible to reduce tumor cell adhesion. This may prevent metastasis in the future.