WAVEs: A Novel and Promising Weapon in the Cancer Therapy Tool Box

Abstract

The Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein family Verprolin - homologous proteins (WAVEs), encoded by ametastasis promoter gene, play considerable roles in adhesion of immune cells, cell proliferation, migration anddestruction of foreign agents by reactive oxygen species. These diverse functions have lead to the hypothesisthat WAVE proteins have multi-functional roles in regulating cancer invasiveness, metastasis, developmentof tumor vasculature and angiogenesis. Differentials in expression of WAVE proteins are associated with anumber of neoplasms include colorectal cancer, hepatocellular cancer, lung squamous cell carcinoma, humanbreast adenocarcinoma and prostate cancer. In this review we attempt to unify our knowledge regarding WAVEproteins, focusing on their potentials as diagnostic markers and molecular targets for cancer therapy.