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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
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Rac1, A Potential Target for Tumor Therapy

Jiaxin Liang1, Linda Oyang1, Shan Rao1

  • 1Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Frontiers in Oncology
|June 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a key protein in Rho GTPases, crucial for cell functions and tumor progression. Targeting Rac1 shows promise for novel cancer therapies and overcoming immune escape.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a Rho GTPase involved in cytoskeleton regulation.
  • Rac1 influences cell adhesion, morphology, and movement.
  • Elevated Rac1 expression correlates with poor prognosis in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of Rac1 in cancer development and progression.
  • To explore Rac1's involvement in tumor cell biology, stemness, and the tumor microenvironment.
  • To highlight Rac1 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Rac1 function in cancer.
  • Analysis of Rac1's involvement in cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.
  • Examination of Rac1's role in tumor stem cells and immune escape.

Main Results:

  • Rac1 is implicated in promoting tumor occurrence and progression through various cellular mechanisms.
  • Rac1 plays a significant role in anti-tumor therapy resistance and immune evasion.
  • Rac1 inhibitors demonstrate potential in cancer prevention and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Rac1 is a critical regulator in cancer, influencing multiple hallmarks of the disease.
  • Rac1 represents a promising therapeutic target for developing novel anti-cancer strategies.
  • Further research into Rac1's functions and inhibition is warranted.
Keywords:
Rac1cancer stemnessmetastasistherapy resistancetumorigenesis

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