Trop2: From development to disease. Issue 2 (12th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDougall, Annie R.A.; Tolcos, Mary; Hooper, Stuart B.; Cole, Timothy J.; Wallace, Megan J.
• Is Part Of: Developmental dynamics. Volume 244:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2015-01-12
• Subjects: Morphogenesis -- Periodicals; Anatomy -- Periodicals; Anatomie -- Périodiques; Biologie du développement -- Périodiques; 571.833
• DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-8388

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <underline>Background:</underline> <italic>Trop2</italic> was first discovered as a biomarker of invasive trophoblast cells. Since then most research has focused on its role in tumourigenesis because it is highly expressed in the vast majority of human tumours and animal models of cancer. It is also highly expressed in stem cells and in many organs during development. <underline>Results:</underline> We review the multifaceted role of <italic>Trop2</italic> during development and tumourigenesis, including its role in regulating cell proliferation and migration, self‐renewal, and maintenance of basement membrane integrity. We discuss the evolution of <italic>Trop2</italic> and its related protein <italic>Epcam</italic> (<italic>Trop1</italic>), including their distinct roles. Mutation of <italic>Trop2</italic> leads to gelatinous drop‐like corneal dystrophy, whereas over‐expression of <italic>Trop2</italic> in human tumours promotes tumour aggressiveness and increases mortality. Although <italic>Trop2</italic> expression is sufficient to promote tumour growth, the surprising discovery that <italic>Trop2</italic>‐null mice have an increased risk of tumour development has highlighted the complexity of <italic>Trop2</italic> signaling. Recently, studies have begun to identify the mechanisms underlying TROP2's functions, including regulated intramembrane proteolysis or specific interactions with integrin β1 and claudin proteins. <underline>Conclusions:</underline> Understanding the mechanisms underlying TROP2 signaling will clarify its role during development, aid in the development of better cancer treatments and unlock a promising new direction in regenerative medicine. <italic>Developmental Dynamics 244:99–109, 2015</italic>. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </abstract>