Ez-Metastasizing: The Crucial Roles of Ezrin in Metastasis

Cells. 2023 Jun 14;12(12):1620. doi: 10.3390/cells12121620.

Abstract

Ezrin is the cytoskeletal organizer and functions in the modulation of membrane-cytoskeleton interaction, maintenance of cell shape and structure, and regulation of cell-cell adhesion and movement, as well as cell survival. Ezrin plays a critical role in regulating tumor metastasis through interaction with other binding proteins. Notably, Ezrin has been reported to interact with immune cells, allowing tumor cells to escape immune attack in metastasis. Here, we review the main functions of Ezrin, the mechanisms through which it acts, its role in tumor metastasis, and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Keywords: Ezrin; binding protein; cell migration; therapeutic target; tumor metastasis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion* / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion* / physiology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins* / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton* / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis* / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis* / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • ezrin

Grants and funding

This work was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health intramural research program.