Non-traditional roles for the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein

Gene. 2005 Nov 21:361:1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2005.07.024. Epub 2005 Sep 26.

Abstract

The Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor is a multifunctional protein that is mutated in a majority of colon cancers. The role of APC as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway is well known and it is widely accepted that inappropriate activation of this pathway through loss of APC function contributes to the progression of colon cancers. However, a body of evidence is growing to support the idea that APC plays non-traditional functions outside of the Wnt pathway with roles in cell migration, adhesion, chromosome segregation, spindle assembly, apoptosis, and neuronal differentiation. This review highlights the research into alternate functions for APC beyond its role in Wnt signaling and discusses the possible contributions for these non-traditional functions of APC in tumor formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / metabolism
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • beta Catenin