Differential expression of PDZ-containing proteins in human diseases: challenging topics and novel issues.

FACCIUTO, CAVATORTA, BUGNON VALDANO, MARZIALI ANDA GARDIOL

FEBS JOURNAL

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2012 vol. 279 p. 3538 - 3548

1742-464X

The general features of PDZ domains structure and functions have been extensively studied during the last decade. The PDZ domains are generally present in proteins involved in multiple interactions that allow the assembly of functional protein complexes that control key cellular processes. One of the best characterized functions of the PDZ-containing proteins is the control of epithelial cell polarity and cell-cell contacts. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge about the regulation of the expression of certain PDZ polarity proteins that localized at the intercellular junctions. In addition, we provide a critical overview of recent findings about the role of these proteins during the development of human diseases. The complete understanding of these issues would be valuable for the design of novel therapeutic intervention for common pathologies, such as cancer.