The GTPase domain of gamma-tubulin is required for normal mitochondrial function and spatial organization.

In the cell, γ-tubulin establishes a cellular network of threads named the γ-string meshwork. However, the functions of this meshwork remain to be determined. We investigated the traits of the meshwork and show that γ-strings have the ability to connect the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial DNA together.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 is a novel coreceptor of protease-activated receptor-2 in the dynamics of cancer-associated β-catenin stabilization.

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) plays a central role in cancer; however, the molecular machinery of PAR2-instigated tumors remains to be elucidated. We show that PAR2 is a potent inducer of β-catenin stabilization, a core process in cancer biology, leading to its transcriptional activity. Novel association of low-density lipoprotein-related protein 6 (LRP6), a known coreceptor of Frizzleds (Fz), with PAR2 takes place following PAR2 activation.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Cancer.

Despite the fact that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest signal-conveying receptor family and mediate many physiological processes, their role in tumor biology is underappreciated. Numerous lines of evidence now associate GPCRs and their downstream signaling targets in cancer growth and development. Indeed, GPCRs control many features of tumorigenesis, including immune cell-mediated functions, proliferation, invasion and survival at the secondary site.

Protease-activated-receptor-2 affects protease-activated-receptor-1-driven breast cancer.

Mammalian protease-activated-receptor-1 and -2 (PAR1 and PAR2) are activated by proteases found in the flexible microenvironment of a tumor and play a central role in breast cancer. We propose in the present study that PAR1 and PAR2 act together as a functional unit during malignant and physiological invasion processes. This notion is supported by assessing pro-tumor functions in the presence of short hairpin; shRNA knocked-down hPar2 or by the use of a truncated PAR2 devoid of the entire cytoplasmic tail.