Role of the ABI1 Gene in Cancers

Dear Colleagues,

The ABI protein family is a group of proteins with significant roles in cellular biology, especially in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. This regulation is crucial for maintaining cell shape, movement, and division. ABI proteins are integral in controlling the organization and polymerization of actin, a key component of the cell's structural framework. Additionally, these proteins participate actively in signal transduction pathways. They function in critical cellular processes such as cell growth, survival, and migration by acting as scaffolding proteins. This role in signal transduction is particularly important as it links ABI proteins to various cellular functions and responses.

ABI proteins are also highly relevant in medical research, particularly in the context of cancer. Their dysregulation can lead to abnormal cell growth and metastasis, making them a prominent focal point in the development of targeted cancer therapies. Beyond their role in cancer, ABI proteins are essential in processes like cell migration and adhesion, which are key in wound healing, immune responses, and overall development. Their interactions with a wide range of other proteins, such as ABL tyrosine kinases, underscore their importance in a variety of cellular functions, including stress response and signaling.

Moreover, ABI proteins have a significant impact on neuronal development and the formation of synapses, linking them to studies in neurodevelopmental disorders. They also contribute to the cellular responses to environmental stresses, aiding in cell survival under challenging conditions.

Understanding the ABI protein family is vital for insights into cellular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Their diverse roles in cellular processes make them an important subject in molecular and cellular biology research.

In this Special Issue on ABI protein family, we welcome your research and review articles on the following topics:

1. Actin Cytoskeleton Regulation: ABI proteins are vital for the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, which is crucial for cell shape, movement, and division. They interact with other proteins to control actin polymerization and organization.
2. Signal Transduction: ABI proteins are involved in signal transduction pathways, particularly those linked to cell growth, survival, and migration. They can act as scaffolding proteins, linking various components of a signaling pathway.
3. Cancer Research: ABI proteins have been implicated in cancer, as their dysregulation can lead to abnormal cell growth and metastasis. Understanding their role is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
4. Cell Migration and Adhesion: They are involved in the regulation of cell migration and adhesion, both of which are essential processes for wound healing, immune responses, and development.
5. Interaction with Other Proteins: ABI proteins interact with numerous other proteins, including ABL tyrosine kinases, which are important in cell signaling and stress response. These interactions are significant in understanding complex cellular processes.
6. Neuronal Development: ABI proteins have roles in the nervous system, particularly in neuronal development and synapse formation, making them relevant in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders.
7. Cell Stress Response: They are also involved in cellular responses to stress, contributing to cell survival under adverse conditions.

Dr. Leszek Kotula
Guest Editor

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• ABI1
• cancer
• EMT
• cell signaling
• actin cytoskeleton