Role of Rap2 and its Downstream Effectors in Tumorigenesis

Author(s):

Hui Huang, Jiehui Di, Debao Qu, Zhen Gao, Yanping Zhang and Junnian Zheng   Pages 1269 - 1276 ( 8 )

Abstract:

Rap2, a member of the GTP-binding proteins, is widely upregulated in many types of tumors. The specific effectors of Rap2 can affect multiple cancer-associated cellular processes, including cytoskeleton reorganization, proliferation, migration, and inflammation. However, the functional role of Rap2 in tumorigenesis and the interplay between different effectors remain to be fully elucidated. A more thorough understanding of the cancer-associated signaling networks of Rap2 is expected to facilitate drug discovery targeting Rap2 for cancer therapy. The present review mainly focused on recent studies on the functional and physical interactions between Rap2 and its effectors. We also speculated on the relevance of these pathways to tumorigenesis.

Keywords:

Cancer, MAP4K4, PLCε, Rap2, TNIK.

Affiliation:

, , , , Department of Radiation Oncology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning, Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA., Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, 84 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, P.R.China.

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