Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP): a physiological regulator and future therapeutic target.
BACKGROUND
Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) belongs to the phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) family that is expressed in both prokaryotic and euakaryotic organisms.


OBJECTIVE
In this review, we discuss the role of RKIP as a modulator of signal transduction, the relationship of RKIP to other members of the PEBP family, and the role of RKIP in human health and disease.


CONCLUSIONS
In mammals, RKIP regulates activation of MAPK, NF-kappaB and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). As a modulator of key signaling pathways, RKIP affects various cellular processes including cell differentiation, the cell cycle, apoptosis and cell migration. Emerging evidence suggests that RKIP is implicated in several human diseases or disorders, among them metastatic tumorigenesis and Alzheimer's disease.
Zeng
Lingchun
L
The University of Chicago, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Imamoto
Akira
A
Rosner
Marsha Rich
MR
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D042822:Genomic Instability / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D049488:Phosphatidylethanolamine Binding Protein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D048490:raf Kinases / Q000378:metabolism
D016328:NF-kappa B; C511482:PEBP1 protein, human; D049488:Phosphatidylethanolamine Binding Protein; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D048490:raf Kinases