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Rho GTPase signaling in the development of colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Leve Fernanda,
MorgadoDíaz José A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.24153
Subject(s) - rhoa , cdc42 , gtpase , rac1 , microbiology and biotechnology , small gtpase , signal transduction , cell migration , pak1 , biology , cell growth , cell adhesion , cancer cell , colorectal cancer , cancer , cell , cancer research , biochemistry , genetics
The involvement of Rho GTPases in major aspects of cancer development, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell polarity, adhesion, migration, and invasion, have recently been attracting increasing attention. In this review, we have summarized the current findings in the literature, and we discuss the participation of the Rho GTPase members RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 in the development of colorectal cancer, the second most lethal neoplasia worldwide. First, we present an overview of the mechanisms of Rho GTPase regulation and the impact that regulator proteins exert on GTPase signaling. Second, we focus on the participation of Rho GTPases as modulators of colorectal cancer development. Third, we emphasize the involvement of activation and expression alterations of Rho GTPases in events associated with cancer progression, such as loss of cell–cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Finally, we highlight the potential use of novel anticancer drugs targeting specific components of the Rho GTPase signaling pathway with antineoplastic activity in this cancer type. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2549–2559, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.