Rassf family of tumor suppressor polypeptides

J Biol Chem. 2009 Apr 24;284(17):11001-5. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R800073200. Epub 2008 Dec 17.

Abstract

The Rassf1-6 polypeptides each contain a Ras/Rap association domain, which enables binding to several GTP-charged Ras-like GTPases, at least in vitro or when overexpressed. The Ras/Rap association domains are followed by SARAH domains, which mediate Rassf heterodimerization with the Mst1/2 protein kinases. Rassf1A is unequivocally a tumor suppressor, and all Rassf proteins behave like tumor suppressors, exhibiting epigenetic silencing of expression in many human cancers and pro-apoptotic and/or anti-proliferative effects when re-expressed in tumor cell lines. Herein, we review the binding of the Rassf polypeptides to Ras-like GTPases and the Mst1/2 kinases and their role in Rassf function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dimerization
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Multigene Family
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • RASSF1 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases