Ezrin, a key component in tumor metastasis

Trends Mol Med. 2004 May;10(5):201-4. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2004.03.001.

Abstract

Identification of the key regulatory molecules in metastasis is crucial for understanding tumor dissemination and for the development of novel interventions. The recent identification of ezrin as a necessary component in the metastasis of osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma is, therefore, an important advance. Ezrin has been implicated in many roles, for example, as a conduit for signals between metastasis-associated cell-surface molecules and signal transduction components. This suggests that ezrin and, potentially, other members of the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) family have key roles in the coordination of signals and cellular complexes that are required for the successful metastasis of these and other malignancies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Osteosarcoma / metabolism
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / metabolism
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • ezrin
  • moesin
  • radixin