Ras superfamily monomeric G proteins in carcinoma cell motility

Cancer Lett. 2003 Jan 28;189(2):117-28. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3835(02)00510-4.

Abstract

With over 100 members in humans, the Ras superfamily is a diverse group of monomeric G proteins participating in many cellular processes. Members of the Ras, Rho, and Arf families have been shown to regulate cell motility in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Ras and Rho family members are also widely involved in human tumorigenesis, either through activating mutations or by overexpression. In this review, tools for studying carcinoma cell migration are discussed and evidence for regulation of carcinoma cell motility by specific Ras superfamily members is summarized. Novel emerging mechanisms of migration in carcinoma cells involving RhoC and Ral are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ADP-Ribosylation Factors / genetics
  • ADP-Ribosylation Factors / physiology
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Genes, ras
  • Guanosine Triphosphate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Multigene Family
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • ras Proteins / physiology
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Guanosine Triphosphate
  • ADP-Ribosylation Factors
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins
  • ras Proteins
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins