Molecular Regulation of Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion, and Metastasis

Cancer metastasis represents an advanced stage of malignancy and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis is a multistep process that includes migration and invasion of cancer cells, hallmarks of malignancy. These processes require the involvement of a wide array of cellular mechanisms led by cytoskeleton dynamics as well as molecular alterations such as expression of adhesion and proteolytic enzymes. Cell migration in itself is a highly integrated process that includes development of cytoplasmic protrusions, attachment, and traction. Additional secondary changes associated with cell migration and invasion include production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), development of chemoresistant cancer stem cells, introduction of mutations in DNA damage repair genes, and contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs). Cell release of exosomes and their participation in modulating cell behavior are a new and exciting observation. In this special issue on Molecular Regulation of Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion, and Metastasis, we have invited a few papers that address such issues