Decrypting the role of Cripto in tumorigenesis

• Text
• PDF

Abstract

The cell-surface associated molecule Cripto is overexpressed in a wide range of epithelial cancers, yet little is known about potential mechanisms by which Cripto expression might enhance tumorigenesis. A new study reveals that binding of Cripto to the TGF-β ligand Activin B can block Activin B–mediated suppression of cell proliferation. Furthermore, this study also demonstrates that antibody blockade of Cripto function may prove useful in the inhibition of tumorigenesis.

Authors

Michael M. Shen