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Arf proteins in cancer cell migration

Cristina Casalou1, Alexandra Faustino1,2, Duarte C Barral1

  • 1a CEDOC, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal.

Small Gtpases
|September 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) proteins and their regulators are crucial for cell migration and metastasis. This review details their roles in cell adhesion, integrin trafficking, and cytoskeleton remodeling in cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family proteins are small GTP-binding proteins regulating membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton organization.
  • Arf family members, including Arf-like (Arl) proteins, are implicated in essential cellular functions like cell spreading and migration, processes vital for cancer metastasis.
  • Abnormal expression of Arf proteins and their regulators (GEFs and GAPs) is observed in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking Arf family proteins, GEFs, and GAPs to cancer progression.
  • To focus on three key mechanisms: cell-cell adhesion, integrin internalization/recycling, and actin cytoskeleton remodeling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on Arf proteins in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Arf-mediated mechanisms in cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • Arf family proteins and their regulators are involved in cancer progression through multiple mechanisms.
  • Specific roles in cell-cell adhesion, integrin trafficking, and actin cytoskeleton remodeling have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • Arf proteins and their regulators are significant players in cancer cell dissemination and invasion.
  • Targeting these pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ArfArlactin cytoskeleton remodelingcell adhesioncell migrationintegrin recyclingsmall GTP-binding proteins

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