Pathophysiological Roles of Actin-Binding Scaffold Protein, Ezrin

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2022 Mar 25

PMID 35328667

Authors

Kotoku Kawaguchi

Shinji Asano

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Ezrin is one of the members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of proteins. It was originally discovered as an actin-binding protein in the microvilli structure about forty years ago. Since then, it has been revealed as a key protein with functions in a variety of fields including cell migration, survival, and signal transduction, as well as functioning as a structural component. Ezrin acts as a cross-linker of membrane proteins or phospholipids in the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. It also functions as a platform for signaling molecules at the cell surface. Moreover, ezrin is regarded as an important target protein in cancer diagnosis and therapy because it is a key protein involved in cancer progression and metastasis, and its high expression is linked to poor survival in many cancers. Small molecule inhibitors of ezrin have been developed and investigated as candidate molecules that suppress cancer metastasis. Here, we wish to comprehensively review the roles of ezrin from the pathophysiological points of view.

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