5.1. Diagnostic and prognostic markers
Examining the expression levels of key proteins associated with lamellipodia and filopodia dynamics holds promise as diagnostic and prognostic markers in various cancers. Aberrant expression or overactivation of proteins involved in the formation and regulation of these protrusions may serve as indicators of invasive potential and disease progression. Elevated expression of Rho GTPases, such as Rac1 and Cdc42, or overexpression of regulatory proteins like WASP and Ena/VASP, may correlate with more aggressive cancer phenotypes. Increased levels of these proteins might be indicative of enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities in cancer cells [47,54,55]. Additionally, techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular profiling can be employed to assess the expression levels of these proteins in tumor tissues. High-throughput analyses can provide a comprehensive profile of the molecular landscape, aiding in the identification of potential biomarkers for specific cancer types.
Advanced imaging techniques offer a non-invasive means to visualize and quantify lamellipodia and filopodia in cancer cells, providing valuable information for diagnosis and prognosis. Real-time observation of cancer cells using live-cell imaging allows for the dynamic visualization of lamellipodia and filopodia. This technique enables researchers and clinicians to monitor the migratory behavior of cancer cells and assess the impact of therapeutic interventions [56,57]. Super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), surpass the diffraction limit, providing detailed insights into the subcellular structures of lamellipodia and filopodia [58]. This can aid in precise characterization and quantification of these protrusions, offering valuable information for diagnostic purposes. Utilizing a combination of expression profiling and advanced imaging techniques, clinicians can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the invasive potential of cancer cells, enabling tailored therapeutic strategies.