Cell Surface Vimentin (CSV) Redefines CTCs to Monitor Cancer Progression in Patients

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Vimentin, a 57kDa intermediate filament protein, is normally expressed in mesenchymal cells. As a major cytoskeleton component of mesenchymal cells, it maintains cellular integrity, stabilizes cytoskeleton interactions and provides resistance under mechanical stress [1]. Biological characterization of Vimentin null cells suggested that it is important for mechanical stability and motility in vitro [2]. Furthermore Vimentin null mice had impaired wound healing without causing any other major physiological disorders [3]. Based on these studies, it can be inferred that Vimentin might have a supporting role in mechanical stability and integrity of cellular structure. In the recent years, understanding of the biological significance of Vimentin has been increasing steadily after its discovery as an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker in aggressive cancer cells of epithelial originsbreast, prostate, colon, skin, lung and brain [4]. Inducible expression of Vimentin in large number of epithelial cancer correlates well with metastatic phenotypes in patients [5,6]. The possible explanation for Vimentin expression in epithelial cancer cells undergoing EMT process is to enhance migration and invasiveness [7].