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StarD13: a potential star target for tumor therapeutics

Leila Jaafar1, Zeinab Chamseddine1, Mirvat El-Sibai2

  • 1Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon.

Human Cell
|April 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

StarD13 functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating cell survival and apoptosis. Its downregulation in tumors impacts Rho GTPase activity, affecting metastasis and offering potential therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • StarD13 acts as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Rho GTPases.
  • It regulates cell survival and apoptosis pathways, both p53-dependent and independent.
  • StarD13 is frequently downregulated or inhibited in various tumor types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key characteristics of the StarD13 protein.
  • To elucidate the role of StarD13 in tumor malignancies.
  • To highlight StarD13 as a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of StarD13 function and expression in cancer.
  • Analysis of StarD13's impact on Rho GTPase signaling.
  • Examination of StarD13's influence on cellular adhesion and actin dynamics.

Main Results:

  • StarD13 downregulation affects Rho GTPase signaling, impacting cell adhesion and actin dynamics.
  • Altered dynamics contribute to variable effects on tumor metastasis based on tumor type and grade.
  • StarD13's tumor suppressor role is linked to its regulation of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • StarD13 is a critical regulator of cell survival and a tumor suppressor.
  • Its dysregulation in cancer contributes to altered cellular dynamics and metastasis.
  • StarD13 represents a promising candidate for novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Cdc42Rho GTPasesRhoARhoGAPStarD13

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