Recent insights into the role of <scp>L1CAM</scp> in cancer initiation and progression

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  • Peter Altevogt
    Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology University Medical Center Mannheim Heidelberg Germany
  • Avri Ben‐Ze'ev
    Department of Molecular Cell Biology Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
  • Nancy Gavert
    Department of Molecular Cell Biology Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
  • Udo Schumacher
    Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
  • Heiner Schäfer
    Institute for Experimental Cancer Research Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein Campus Kiel Kiel Germany
  • Susanne Sebens
    Institute for Experimental Cancer Research Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein Campus Kiel Kiel Germany

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>First described as a neuronal cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM was later identified to be present at increased levels in primary tumors and metastases of various types of cancer. Here, we describe the multifaceted roles of L1CAM that are involved in diverse fundamental steps during tumor initiation and progression, as well as in chemoresistance. Recently, Ganesh et al reported that L1CAM identifies metastasis‐initiating cells in colorectal carcinoma exhibiting stem‐like cell features, increased tumorigenic potential and enhanced chemoresistance. In this review, we highlight recent advances in L1CAM research with particular emphasis on its role in de‐differentiation processes and cancer cell stemness supporting the view that L1CAM is a powerful prognostic factor and a suitable target for improved therapy of metastatic and drug‐resistant tumors.</jats:p>

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