Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-associated Protein in Human Cancer and Normal Cells using a Multi-functional System
09:55

All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-associated Protein in Human Cancer and Normal Cells using a Multi-functional System

Published on: December 20, 2021

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Agrin to YAP in Cancer and Neuromuscular Junctions

Wen-Cheng Xiong1, Lin Mei1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.

Trends in Cancer
|July 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Agrin signaling is crucial for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and may drive liver cancer progression. This study explores the dual role of the LRP4-MuSK pathway in both processes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Agrin and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4-muscle-specific kinase (LRP4-MuSK) pathway are essential for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation.
  • The LRP4-MuSK pathway has recently been implicated in various cancer types.
  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling and mechanotransduction are increasingly recognized as critical in both development and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the novel functions of the LRP4-MuSK pathway in cancer.
  • To discuss the potential role of Agrin as a mechanotransduction signal coordinating ECM pathways.
  • To elucidate the implications of converged signaling pathways in NMJ formation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and pathway analysis.
  • Exploration of molecular crosstalk between ECM, LRP4-MuSK, and integrin-focal adhesion pathways.
  • Discussion of downstream effectors such as Yes-associated protein (YAP).

Main Results:

  • Agrin's role extends beyond NMJ formation, potentially influencing cancer.
  • Convergence of LRP4-MuSK and integrin signaling pathways is proposed.
  • YAP activation downstream of these pathways may promote HCC development.

Conclusions:

  • The LRP4-MuSK pathway plays a significant role in both physiological processes (NMJ formation) and pathological conditions (HCC).
  • Agrin-mediated mechanotransduction could be a key factor linking ECM dynamics to cancer progression.
  • Further research into this pathway crosstalk may reveal novel therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
Keywords:
AgrinLRP4MuSKYAPliver cancerneuromuscular junction

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