ROR1, an embryonic protein with an emerging role in cancer biology

Protein Cell. 2014 Jul;5(7):496-502. doi: 10.1007/s13238-014-0059-7. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a member of the ROR family consisting of ROR1 and ROR2. RORs contain two distinct extracellular cysteine-rich domains and one transmembrane domain. Within the intracellular portion, ROR1 possesses a tyrosine kinase domain, two serine/threonine-rich domains and a proline-rich domain. RORs have been studied in the context of embryonic patterning and neurogenesis through a variety of homologs. These physiologic functions are dichotomous based on the requirement of the kinase domain. A growing literature has established ROR1 as a marker for cancer, such as in CLL and other blood malignancies. In addition, ROR1 is critically involved in progression of a number of blood and solid malignancies. ROR1 has been shown to inhibit apoptosis, potentiate EGFR signaling, and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, ROR1 is only detectable in embryonic tissue and generally absent in adult tissue, making the protein an ideal drug target for cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Embryonic Development
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors / physiology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • ROR1 protein, human
  • Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors