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The ron receptor tyrosine kinase: a key regulator of inflammation and cancer progression

Xin Wang1, Pamela A Hankey

  • 1Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

Critical Reviews in Immunology
|November 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently abnormal in cancers, driving tumor growth and metastasis. Inhibiting Ron may offer a new therapeutic strategy for epithelial cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is frequently dysregulated in human malignancies.
  • Aberrant Ron signaling contributes to cancer progression and metastasis.
  • Ron also plays a role in regulating immune responses, impacting inflammation and antitumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on Ron receptor tyrosine kinase.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing Ron regulation and its biological functions.
  • To explore the role of Ron in cancer development and its therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Ron receptor tyrosine kinase.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of Ron regulation.
  • Examination of Ron's biological functions and effects on cancer.

Main Results:

  • Ron activation by macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) influences cell growth, motility, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • Overexpressed or activated Ron promotes tumor cell growth, survival, and motility, contributing to cancer progression and metastasis.
  • Ron modulates macrophage activation, inhibiting classical activation and promoting alternative activation, which aids inflammation resolution and tissue repair.
  • Ron signaling can suppress antitumor immunity by promoting alternative activation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
  • Ron expression in the tumor microenvironment facilitates the growth of metastatic colonies.

Conclusions:

  • Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is a critical regulator in epithelial cancers, promoting tumor development and metastasis.
  • Ron's dual role in inflammation resolution and immune suppression highlights its complex involvement in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Targeting Ron presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating epithelial cancers.

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