The membranes of cancer cells are more pliant than the membranes of normal cells. Cancer cell membranes are softer compared to those of normal cells. This study revealed that in cancer cells, the ERM proteins that maintain this membrane-actin attachment are dissociated from the cell membrane, which makes the membrane soft. By securely attaching ERM proteins to cancer cell membranes, the researchers were able to restore the membrane-actin attachment so it resembled that of a normal cell. These results indicate that it could possibly constrain the spread of cancer by manipulating cell membrane tension.

Source: Hindustan Times November 09, 2021 18:13 UTC