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Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
08:11

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

Published on: March 26, 2018

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Molecular subversion of Cdc42 signalling in cancer

Natasha P Murphy1, Ana Masara Binti Ahmad Mokhtar1,2, Helen R Mott1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, U.K.

Biochemical Society Transactions
|July 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cdc42, a key regulator of cell functions, plays a significant role in cancer. Targeting its regulators and downstream pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cdc42 is a Rho family small GTPase regulating actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, polarity, and cell cycle.
  • Its role in cancer is established, but molecular mechanisms require further elucidation.
  • Advancements in functional genomics, proteomics, and structural biology enable detailed investigation of Cdc42 localization and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review alterations in Cdc42 and its associated signaling pathways in cancer.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets within Cdc42 regulatory networks.
  • To understand the global signaling contribution of Cdc42 in cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Cdc42 alterations in cancer.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways controlled by Cdc42.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting small GTPases and their regulators.

Main Results:

  • Alterations in Cdc42 and its key pathway components are observed in various cancers.
  • Direct therapeutic targeting of small GTPases presents challenges.
  • Cdc42 regulators and downstream effectors show potential as tractable therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting Cdc42 regulators and downstream pathways is a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand Cdc42 signaling networks.
  • Developing inhibitors for Cdc42-driven signaling holds potential for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Cdc42Rho GTPasescancermetastasis

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