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VAV Proteins as Double Agents in Cancer: Oncogenes with Tumor Suppressor Roles

Myriam Cuadrado1,2, Javier Robles-Valero1,2

  • 1Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.

Biology
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), particularly VAV proteins, may act as tumor suppressors, challenging their traditional cancer-promoting roles. Emerging research reveals complex functions in cancer biology, necessitating a reevaluation of VAV GEF family roles.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPases, crucial for cellular processes.
  • RHO GEFs, including VAV proteins, are implicated in various cellular functions and diseases.
  • Traditionally, RHO GEFs are viewed as promoting cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging evidence on the in vivo functions of RHO GEFs in cancer.
  • To highlight the potential tumor suppressor roles of VAV proteins.
  • To prompt a reevaluation of the VAV GEF family's role in tumor biology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies in mice and humans.
  • Analysis of VAV1's non-catalytic function in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).
  • Examination of VAV1's role in regulating NOTCH1 signaling.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies reveal complex, context-dependent roles for GEFs in cancer.
  • VAV1 demonstrates non-catalytic tumor suppressor functions in T-ALL.
  • VAV1 regulates the active form of NOTCH1 (ICN1), impacting leukemia development.

Conclusions:

  • The role of GEFs in cancer is more nuanced than previously understood.
  • VAV proteins can exhibit tumor suppressor activities, contrary to established paradigms.
  • Further investigation into VAV GEF family functions is crucial for understanding cancer biology.
Keywords:
NFATNOTCH1PTCLRAC1RHO GEFsT-ALLVAV proteinslung cancermouse modelsoncogenesignalingtumor suppressor

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