Role of Rho GTPases in breast cancer

Abstract

Small GTPase Rho signaling pathways regulate the growth, motility, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Aberrant Rho signaling, as results from alterations in the levels of Rho GTPase proteins, the status of activation, and the abundance of effector proteins, is found in breast cancers. Alterations of Rho signaling particularly impact the cytoskeleton, whose organization and reorganization underpin the motility of breast cancer cells during the invasive growth and metastasis of breast cancer. Progress is being made to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which Rho GTPases activate the downstream signaling effectors. Further investigations are required for development of novel tumor therapeutic strategies targeting the Rho GTPase signaling pathways to treat breast cancer.