Molecular Switch Identified in Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism involving SorLa, Her2, and HER3 proteins that regulates how aggressive mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma cells spread to the abdominal cavity.

The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that tumor spheres can invert their structure to form a protective mucus layer, making them more resistant to chemotherapy.

Laboratory tests suggest that therapeutic antibodies targeting HER2 and HER3 receptors could potentially reverse this state, offering a future pathway to impair cancer cell adhesion and metastasis.