Dystroglycan complex in cancer

Abnormalities in the interactions between tumour cells, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix proteins are often implicated in the behaviour of carcinoma cells. The α- and β-dystroglycan (DG) proteins form part of the large dystrophin-associated protein (DAP) complex. They are involved in epithelial cell development, formation of the basement membrane and maintenance of tissue integrity. Specific changes and reduction or loss of DG expression have been reported in human breast, colon, head and neck, and prostate cancers, implicating it in tumour invasion and dissemination. Degradation of β-DG by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes may assist tumour dissemination. We report the present knowledge of the DG interactions in solid tumour biology.