RAC1 Takes the Lead in Solid Tumors

Cells. 2019 Apr 26;8(5):382. doi: 10.3390/cells8050382.

Abstract

Three GTPases, RAC, RHO, and Cdc42, play essential roles in coordinating many cellular functions during embryonic development, both in healthy cells and in disease conditions like cancers. We have presented patterns of distribution of the frequency of RAC1-alteration(s) in cancers as obtained from cBioPortal. With this background data, we have interrogated the various functions of RAC1 in tumors, including proliferation, metastasis-associated phenotypes, and drug-resistance with a special emphasis on solid tumors in adults. We have reviewed the activation and regulation of RAC1 functions on the basis of its sub-cellular localization in tumor cells. Our review focuses on the role of RAC1 in cancers and summarizes the regulatory mechanisms, inhibitory efficacy, and the anticancer potential of RAC1-PAK targeting agents.

Keywords: RAC1; resistance; solid tumors; sub-cellular signaling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / enzymology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / physiology*

Substances

  • RAC1 protein, human
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein