Cancer Progression and Detection: Coupling Cell Adhesion and Migration Dynamics to Signaling Pathways

Cancer progression is a highly dynamic process driven by intricate interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Central to this process are mechanisms regulating cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, which are tightly coordinated with intracellular signaling pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways contributes to uncontrolled proliferation, metastatic spread, and therapy resistance. Understanding how adhesion molecules, cytoskeletal dynamics, and signaling networks integrate to drive tumor progression is crucial for identifying novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Recent research has highlighted the role of adhesion complexes, integrins, cadherins, and focal adhesion proteins in modulating signaling cascades such as MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and Rho GTPase pathways. These molecular networks not only influence the mechanical and migratory properties of cancer cells but also shape their interactions with the extracellular matrix and stromal components.

This Research Topic aims to bring together studies that elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking cell adhesion and migration dynamics to key signaling pathways in cancer. Contributions may include original research, reviews, and perspectives exploring novel regulators, mechanotransduction, and translational applications in detection, prognosis, and targeted therapy.

Key areas of interest include:

• Cell adhesion molecules: Roles of integrins, cadherins, selectins, and associated proteins in cancer progression.

• Migration and invasion dynamics: Mechanisms governing cytoskeletal remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis.

• Signaling pathway integration: Cross-talk between adhesion complexes, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Rho GTPases, and other key regulators.

• Tumor microenvironment interactions: Influence of extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and mechanical cues on adhesion and migration.

• Diagnostic and therapeutic implications: Identification of biomarkers and development of therapies targeting adhesion-mediated signaling in cancer.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Cell Adhesion, Cancer Metastasis, Signaling Pathways, Cytoskeletal Dynamics, Tumor Microenvironment., Mechanobiology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.