Work

Grb2 signaling in cell motility and cancer

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Metastasis is the primary cause of death in most human cancers, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning this multistep process is fundamental to identifying novel molecular targets and developing more effective therapies. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: Here we review the role of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) in cancer and specifically in metastasis-related processes, and summarize the development of anticancer therapeutics selectively targeting this adapter protein. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Grb2 is a key molecule in intracellular signal transduction, linking activated cell surface receptors to downstream targets by binding to specific phosphotyrosine-containing and proline-rich sequence motifs. Grb2 signaling is critical for cell cycle progression and actin-based cell motility, and, consequently, more complex processes such as epithelial morphogenesis, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. These functions make Grb2 a therapeutic target for strategies designed to prevent the spread of solid tumors through local invasion and metastasis.

Source: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets

DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.8.1021

Authors: Alessio Giubellino, Terrence R Burke, Donald P Bottaro

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research

Language: English

Topic: Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health