Arf GTPase-activating proteins and their potential role in cell migration and invasion.
Cell migration is central to normal physiology in embryogenesis, the inflammatory response and wound healing. In addition, the acquisition of a motile and invasive phenotype is an important step in the development of tumors and metastasis. Arf GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are nonredundant regulators of specialized membrane surfaces implicated in cell migration. Part of Arf GAP function is mediated by regulating the ADP ribosylation factor (Arf) family GTP-binding proteins. However, Arf GAPs can also function independently of their GAP enzymatic activity, in some cases working as Arf effectors. In this commentary, we discuss examples of Arf GAPs that function either as regulators of Arfs or independently of the GTPase activity to regulate membrane structures that mediate cell adhesion and movement.
Campa
Fanny
F
Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4256, USA.
Randazzo
Paul A
PA
D020727:ADP-Ribosylation Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D006801:Humans; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D020727:ADP-Ribosylation Factors