One year and a half ago, the laboratory of Translational Research in Paediatric Cancer at VHIR, identified the implication of a signaling pathway in the aggressiveness, the invading capacity and the metastasis of rhabdomyosarcomas, a type of cancer which represents the 8% of cancer in children. This research group at VHIR has done a step forward in the knowledge of Notch Pathway, identifying two new proteins implied in the rhabdomyosarcoma metastasis process. Specifically, the new study identifies two proteins: integrina -á2 and N-cadherina.Notch Pathway plays a key role in cellular proliferation, growing and differentiation of rhabdomyosarcoma’s cells. It also controls its migratory capacity and the formation of metastasis and its aggressiveness. The overexpression of the components of this pathway is implied in several types of tumors. This study, funded by ‘La Marató’ de TV3 and published in the ‘British Journal of Cancer’ (BJC), identifies for the first time these two proteins that are “much related with the adhesion of tumorous cells, the speed that can reach and its invasive capacity for germinating in other organs. Inhibiting these proteins could slow down or block the metastasis process, so then, two new therapeutic targets could be considered”, as explains Dr. Josep Roma, one of the researchers of this project. "http://www.vhir.org/global/pdf/celulas%20via%20notch.tif" Download the picture of rhabdomyosarcomas' cells in cultivation dyes with an antibody against Integrin Alpha-9 "http://www.vhir.org/global/pdf/grup%20via%20notch.jpg" Download the picture of the Translational Research in Paediatric Cancer group at VHIR