Niggli V, Rossy J. Ezrin/radixin/moesin: versatile controllers of signaling molecules and of the cortical cytoskeleton.
Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007;
40:344-9. [PMID:
17419089 DOI:
10.1016/j.biocel.2007.02.012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 02/15/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM) proteins are widely distributed proteins located in the cellular cortex, in microvilli and adherens junctions. They feature an N-terminal membrane binding domain linked by an alpha-helical domain to the C-terminal actin-binding domain. In the dormant state, binding sites in the N-terminal domain are masked by interactions with the C-terminal region. The alpha-helical domain also contributes to masking of binding sites. A specific sequence of signaling events results in dissociation of these intramolecular interactions resulting in ERM activation. ERM molecules have been implicated in mediating actin-membrane linkage and in regulating signaling molecules. They are involved in cell membrane organization, cell migration, phagocytosis and apoptosis, and may also play cell-specific roles in tumor progression. Their precise involvement in these processes has yet to be elucidated.
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