E-cadherin dysfunction in gastric cancer - Cellular consequences, clinical applications and open questions

► Gastric cancer (GC) is a major concern worldwide. ► E-cadherin plays a major role in cell-cell adhesion. ► Germline mutations in CDH1 predispose to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. ► E-cadherin alterations are pivotal for tumour initiation and progression. ► Main E-cadherin deregulation mechanisms:(epi)genetic/post-translational/trafficking.