Advances in biological functions of Ezrin and its effects on tumor metastasis / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

As a member of the ERM (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) protein family, Ezrin is widely distributed in the body. Ezrin acts as a "scaffold" participating in anchorage and interacting between plasma membrane and cytoskeleton. Its special subcel-lular localization is critical for many complex cell processes. Increasing evidence suggests that the abnormal expression, phosphorylation and localization of Ezrin would affect tumor progression. The influence of Ezrin on the morphology of tumor cells during metastasis has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. Further investigations that focus on the mechanism of Ezrin' s influence on different stages of tumor metastasis will be gradually elucidated. In this article, we review the biological functions of Ezrin and its research progress in tumor metastasis, and explain the mechanism of Ezrin-mediated tumor metastasis. It is proposed that strategies targeting Ezrin for tumor metastasis treatment are a promising way to achieve great success in clinic.