What is a common characteristic of cancer cells compared to normal cells?

Cancer cells often exhibit a characteristic loss of cell adhesion, which distinguishes them from normal cells. Normal cells typically adhere tightly to each other and their surrounding extracellular matrix, allowing for organized tissue structure and function. This adhesion is crucial for maintaining tissue integrity and normal regulation of cell growth and division.

In contrast, cancer cells can lose the proteins that facilitate cell adhesion, leading to increased mobility and the potential to invade surrounding tissues. This loss of adhesion contributes to the malignancy of cancerous cells, as they can detach from the primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish secondary tumors in other organs, a process known as metastasis.

Understanding the behavior of cancer cells in terms of adhesion is essential for developing targeted treatments and therapies, as restoring adhesion properties could potentially suppress the aggressive nature of certain cancers.