Invadopodia
Invadopodia are dynamic actin-rich protrusions that cells extend to degrade and penetrate the extracellular matrix (ECM). These specialized structures are crucial for various biological processes, including cell migration, tissue remodeling, and invasion. They are characterized by a dense core of actin filaments, often stabilized by proteins like Arp2/3 complex and formins, and are surrounded by a membrane.
The formation and function of invadopodia are tightly regulated. Key signaling pathways involving tyrosine kinases, small
Invadopodia are prominently implicated in cancer metastasis. Cancer cells often exhibit increased invadopodia formation, which facilitates