Intercellular junctions: downstream and upstream of Ras?
Most human tumors are of epithelial origin, and these tumors gradually lose their epithelial character in a process termed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Approximately 40% of human tumors have activating mutations in one of the three RAS genes. Given these statistics, it is critically important to understand the role of Ras signaling in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This review considers the mechanisms and effectors through which Ras may regulate intercellular junction formation in epithelial cells. Conversely, intercellular junction proteins themselves may play a role in regulating Ras activation and signaling.
Mercer
J A
JA
McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St South, Great Falls, MT 59405-4900, USA. umbjm@montana.edu
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D011905:Genes, ras; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D016547:Kinesins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009218:Myosins; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
C095516:AFDN protein, human; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; C108835:afadin; D009218:Myosins; D016547:Kinesins