The transition from benign ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (IBC) involves the escape of cells through a breach of the basement membrane (BM) that surrounds the DCIS. There has been significant progress in understanding how cancer cells penetrate through BMs, but less is known about how cancer cell progression itself impacts the BM. A recent study by the Ivaska lab identified that Myosin-X (MYO10), an inducer of filipodia, has a profound effect on BM formation around DCIS, and may play opposing roles in early vs late breast cancer progression. Preliminary studies from human patient samples showed elevated levels of MYO10 in DCIS and IBS relative to normal mammary epithelium.  

November 2022

October 2022

A mechanism important during asymmetric cell division in development is the polarized trafficking of endosomes, as this leads to differential levels of critical signaling proteins that control cell fate.  Recently, Planelles-Herrero et al. identified a critical protein complex known as Elongator which is essential to control spindle asymmetry through the regulation of microtubules...

Neural crest cell (NCC) development occurs through the regulation of key transcription factors and its downstream effector genes. However, recent studies suggest additional regulatory mechanisms such as post-translational modifications also have important roles; specifically, Schwarz and colleagues identified the ubiquitin ligase...