Plakoglobin: Role in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. (8th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aktary, Zackie; Pasdar, Manijeh
• Other Names: Oh Eok-Soo Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cell biology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-08
• Subjects: Cytology -- Periodicals; Cell Biology; Cytology; Periodicals; Electronic journals -- Sciences; Electronic journals -- Biology; Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/189521
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8876

Abstract

Abstract : Plakoglobin ( γ -catenin) is a member of the Armadillo family of proteins and a homolog of β -catenin. As a component of both the adherens junctions and desmosomes, plakoglobin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion. Furthermore, similar to β -catenin, plakoglobin is capable of participating in cell signaling. However, unlike β -catenin that has well-documented oncogenic potential through its involvement in the Wnt signaling pathway, plakoglobin generally acts as a tumor/metastasis suppressor. The exact roles that plakoglobin plays during tumorigenesis and metastasis are not clear; however, recent evidence suggests that it may regulate gene expression, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. In this paper, we describe plakoglobin, its discovery and characterization, its role in regulating cell-cell adhesion, and its signaling capabilities in regulation of tumorigenesis and metastasis.