Introduction: Oncogenic Ras-related GTP-binding proteins, referred to as Rabs, are characterized by their intricate interactions with upstream, downstream molecules, and notably, extracellular vesicles (EVs). While the expansive family of Rabs and their associated signaling pathways have been exhaustively dissected, Rab22a emerges as an entity of outstanding interest, owing to its potent influence in many biological processes and its conspicuous correlation with cancer metastasis and migration. A burgeoning interest in the interactions between Rab22a and EVs in the field of oncology underscores the necessity for more in-depth reviews and scholarly discourses.
Methods: We performed a review based on published original and review articles related to Rab22a, tumor, microRNA, exosome, microvesicles, EVs, CD147, lysosome, degradation, endosomal recycling, etc. from PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases.
Results and conclusions: We summarize the regulatory processes governing the expression of Rab22a and the mutants of Rab22a. Notably, the present understanding of complex interactions between Rab22a and EVs are highlighted, encompassing both the impact of Rab22a on the genesis of EVs and the role of EVs that are affected by Rab22a mutants in propelling tumor advancement. The dynamic interaction between Rab22a and EVs plays a significant role in the progression of tumors, and it can provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of cancers and the development of new therapeutic targets.
Keywords: Cancer; Extracellular vesicles; Rab GTPase; Rab22a.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.