Research progress of HER2 in tumor invasion and metastasis

Encoded by proto-oncogene her2/neu, human epidermal growth factor receptor type-2 (HER2) is expressed in many kinds of tumors. Once it is activated, HER2 can promote the ability of tumor cells in invasion and metastasis through several signal pathways, for example, promoting proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), etc. Elucidating the relationship between HER2 and tumor invasion and metastasis may provide a theoretical base for the treatment aiming directly at decreasing tumor recurrence and metastasis, and finally prolonging the life span of patients.