Role of receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) in human head and neck cancers

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2014 Oct;140(10):1629-40. doi: 10.1007/s00432-014-1653-z. Epub 2014 Mar 28.

Abstract

The receptor for hyaluronan (HA)-mediated motility (RHAMM) is a HA-binding protein located in the cytoskeleton and centrosome. RHAMM has multiple functions that manifest with different cellular localizations, for example, modulation of growth factor receptor, regulation of cell signaling pathways, and mitotic spindle assembly. In addition, its increased expression has major roles in tumorigenesis and can induce genomic instability and cancer progression. In head and neck cancers, increased expression of RHAMM is associated with high proliferation of cancer cells and decreased survival. CD44, a cell-adhesion molecule and HA receptor, can modulate intracellular signaling by forming complexes with RHAMM to promote invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological functions of RHAMM in non-neoplastic cells and cancer cells, as well as its association with CD44, and also introduce studies that particularly implicate RHAMM in the pathogenesis of head and neck cancers.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Centrosome
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Disease Progression
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / metabolism*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • CD44 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TPX2 protein, human
  • hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor
  • Hyaluronic Acid