A Number of the N-terminal RASSF Family: RASSF7

Abstract

The Ras association domain family 7 (RASSF7, also named HRC1), a potential tumor-related gene, located on human chromosome 11p15, has been identified as an important member of the N-terminal RASSF family. Whereas, the molecular biological mechanisms of RASSF7 in tumorigenesis remain to be further established. We perform a systematic review of the literature and assessment from PUBMED and MEDLINE databases in this article. RASSF7 plays a significant role in mitosis, microtubule growth, apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Many research literature shows that the RASSF7 could promote the occurrence and advance of human tumors by regulating Aurora B, MKK4, MKK7, JNK, YAP, MEK, and ERK, whereas, it might inhibit c-Myc and thus lead to the suppression of tumorigenesis. The pregulation of RASSF7 often occurs in various malignancies such as lung cancer, neuroblastoma, thyroid neoplasm, hepatocellular cancer, breast cancer and gastric cancer. The expression stage of RASSF7 is positively correlated with the tumor TNM stage. In this review, we primarily elaborate on the acknowledged structure and progress in the various biomechanisms and research advances of RASSF7, especially the potential relevant signaling pathways. We hope that RASSF7 , a prospective therapeutic target for human malignancies, could play an available role in future anti-cancer treatment.

Keywords: CpG islands; N-terminal.; RASSF7; malignancy; therapeutic target; tumor promoter.