Cdc42 regulates Cdc42EP3 function in cancer-associated fibroblasts. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farrugia, Aaron J.; Calvo, Fernando
• Is Part Of: Small GTPases. Volume 8:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: BORG -- cancer-associated fibroblasts -- Cdc42EP3 -- cytoskeleton -- Rho GTPases -- septin; Guanosine triphosphatase -- Periodicals; Guanosine triphosphatase; Periodicals; 572.793
• DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2016.1194952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2154-1256

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Rho family GTPases such as Cdc42 are key regulators of essential cellular processes through their effects on cytoskeletal dynamics, signaling and gene expression. Rho GTPases modulate these functions by engaging a wide variety of downstream effectors. Among these effectors is the largely understudied Cdc42EP/BORG family of Cdc42 effectors. BORG proteins have been linked to actin and septin regulation, but their role in development and disease is only starting to emerge. Recently, Cdc42EP3/BORG2 was shown to coordinate actin and septin cytoskeleton rearrangements in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Interestingly, Cdc42EP3 expression potentiated cellular responses to mechanical stimulation leading to signaling and transcriptional adaptations required for the emergence of a fully activated CAF phenotype. These findings uncover a novel role for the BORG/septin network in cancer. Here, we demonstrate that Cdc42EP3 function in CAFs relies on tight regulation by Cdc42.