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The RASSF1A tumor suppressor

Howard Donninger1, Michele D Vos, Geoffrey J Clark

  • 1Molecular Targets Group, Department of Medicine, J. G. Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 119C Baxter Boulevard, 580 S. Preston Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

Journal of Cell Science
|September 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) is a tumor suppressor. Its inactivation, often via promoter methylation, contributes to cancer development by affecting cell cycle and apoptosis pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) is a tumor suppressor gene.
  • Inactivation of RASSF1A is linked to numerous human cancers.
  • Transcriptional silencing via promoter methylation is a key mechanism of RASSF1A inactivation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the role of RASSF1A as a tumor suppressor.
  • To highlight the significance of epigenetic silencing in cancer development.
  • To discuss RASSF1A's function in apoptotic and cell cycle pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of RASSF1A function and cancer implications.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms, specifically promoter methylation.
  • Examination of RASSF1A's role in cell signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • RASSF1A inactivation, primarily through methylation, is common in various cancers.
  • RASSF1A functions as a scaffold protein, integrating tumor suppressor complexes.
  • RASSF1A influences apoptosis and cell cycle checkpoints, potentially relaying signals from K-Ras.

Conclusions:

  • RASSF1A is a critical tumor suppressor frequently inactivated by epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Understanding RASSF1A's function is vital for cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
  • Epigenetic modifications represent a significant driver of tumorigenesis.

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