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Calpain: a role in cell transformation and migration
Neil O Carragher1, Margaret C Frame
1The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Beatson Laboratories, G61 1BD Glasgow, Scotland, UK. n.carragher@beatson.gla.ac.uk
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|October 16, 2002
Summary
Calpain activity is crucial for cell migration and cancer progression. Genetic and molecular studies confirm calpain
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Calpains are calcium-dependent proteases with essential cellular functions.
- Recent structural and genetic studies have illuminated calpain activation and roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological roles of calpains in cellular processes.
- To explore the involvement of calpains in oncogenic transformation and cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Determining three-dimensional crystal structures of calpains.
- Generating calpain knockout animal models.
- Employing molecular intervention strategies and genetic ablation.
- Analyzing Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) stimulated cell motility.
Main Results:
- Calpain activity is essential for actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration.
- Calpain promotes cell-cycle progression and anchorage-independent growth in Src-transformed cells.
- In vivo studies link calpain levels and activity to tumor development and invasion.
Conclusions:
- Calpain plays a significant role in promoting cell transformation and migration.
- Calpain's functions have critical implications in cancer pathobiology.
- Targeting calpain may offer therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.