Modulation of CD44, EGFR and RAC Pathway Genes (WAVE Complex) in Epithelial Cancers

Abstract

Cancer hallmarks help in understanding the diversity of various neoplasms. Epithelial cancers play an immense role in the tumor biology through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process. Receptor tyrosine kinase, as well as phosphatidyl ionositol-3 kinase pathways, play an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation during EMT. Till date, numerous studies have shown modulation in the expression profile of potential targets like CD44, EGFR, and Rac in epithelial cancers. CD44 interacts with EGFR and recruits other molecules which further activate the Rac pathway intermediates. This review mainly focused on modulation of genes like CD44, EGFR, and Rac pathway intermediates which play a crucial role in the tumor progression, metastasis, proliferation, and invasion characteristics in epithelial cancers with EMT properties. Hence, targeting Rac pathway might be a more strategically relevant approach in treating epithelial cancers.