[Advances of the Role of Ezrin in Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells]

Abstract

Ezrin, also known as cytovillin or vilin 2, is one of the members of ERM (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) protein family. Ezrin, which is a tyrosine kinase substrate, functions to bridge membrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. Recent studies have demonstrated that Ezrin regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer cells. These processes are not only associated with changes in expression level and subcellular localization of Ezrin itself, but also influenced by alteration in microenvironment of primary breast cancer cells. The regulation of Ezrin in mammary carcinoma cells involves interactions among signaling pathways mediated by adhesion molecules (CD44, ICAM, E-cadherin) and the tyrosine kinase growth factors, Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and their receptors. The determination of the functions and mechanism(s) of action of Ezrin in the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells will provide new information on the basic mechanisms of metastasis of breast cancer cells and has the potential to identify a novel drug target for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. This article addresses the role of Ezrin in the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.