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PDZ domains: the building blocks regulating tumorigenesis
Vanitha Krishna Subbaiah1, Christian Kranjec, Miranda Thomas
1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, I-34012 Trieste, Italy.
The Biochemical Journal
|September 30, 2011
Summary
PDZ domains bind to PDZ-binding motifs with high specificity. Imbalances in this recognition process can disrupt cellular balance, contributing to cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Over 250 human PDZ (PSD95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain-containing proteins exist.
- These proteins have vast potential for binding PDZ-binding motifs (PBMs).
- PDZ domain recognition is highly specific, not promiscuous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PBM-PDZ recognition in cellular homeostasis.
- To discuss how disruptions in PBM-PDZ interactions contribute to malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PDZ domain function and interactions.
- Analysis of the link between PDZ proteins and human cancers.
Main Results:
- PDZ domain interactions are crucial for cellular processes like cytoskeletal organization, cell polarity, and signal transduction.
- Dysregulation of PBM-PDZ recognition is implicated in the development of human malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant PBM-PDZ interactions can perturb cellular homeostasis.
- These perturbations are significant contributors to malignant progression.
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