Astrocyte elevated gene-1: far more than just a gene regulated in astrocytes.
Since its original cloning by subtraction hybridization in 2002, it is now evident that Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a key contributor to the carcinogenic process in diverse organs. AEG-1 protein expression is elevated in advanced stages of many cancers, which correlates with poor survival. In specific cancers, such as breast and liver cancer, the AEG-1 gene itself is amplified, further supporting a seminal role in tumorigenesis. Overexpression and inhibition studies both in in vitro and in in vivo models reveal the importance of AEG-1 in regulating multiple physiologically and pathologically relevant processes including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and gene expression. AEG-1 is a single-pass transmembrane protein with multiple nuclear localization signals and no known domains or motifs. Although pertinent roles of AEG-1 in the carcinogenic process are established, its potential function (promotion of metastasis only versus functioning as a bona fide oncogene) as well as localization (cell surface versus nucleus) remain areas requiring further clarification. The present review critically evaluates what is currently known about AEG-1 and provides new perspectives relative to this intriguing molecule that may provide a rational target for intervening in the cancer phenotype.
Sarkar
Devanand
D
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA. dsarkar@vcu.edu
Emdad
Luni
L
Lee
Seok-Geun
SG
Yoo
Byoung Kwon
BK
Su
Zao-Zhong
ZZ
Fisher
Paul B
PB
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C483039:MTDH protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins