Controlling cell surface dynamics and signaling: how CD82/KAI1 suppresses metastasis

Cell Signal. 2009 Feb;21(2):196-211. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2008.08.023. Epub 2008 Sep 11.

Abstract

The recent identification of metastasis suppressor genes, uniquely responsible for negatively controlling cancer metastasis, are providing inroads into the molecular machinery involved in metastasis. While the normal function of a few of these genes is known; the molecular events associated with their loss that promotes tumor metastasis is largely not understood. KAI1/CD82, whose loss is associated with a wide variety of metastatic cancers, belongs to the tetraspanin family. Despite intense scrutiny, many aspects of how CD82 specifically functions as a metastasis suppressor and its role in normal biology remain to be determined. This review will focus on the molecular events associated with CD82 loss, the potential impact on signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes associated with metastasis, and its relationship with other metastasis suppressor genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication
  • Cell-Matrix Junctions
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Gangliosides / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor / physiology
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Kangai-1 Protein / genetics
  • Kangai-1 Protein / immunology
  • Kangai-1 Protein / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Gangliosides
  • Integrins
  • Kangai-1 Protein
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met