MINIREVIEWS

Cell Research, 15(1):19-23, Jan 2005

Modulation of the MAP kinase signaling cascade by Raf kinase inhibitory protein

Nicholas TRAKUL, Marsha R. ROSNER^*

Ben May Institute for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue., Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Correspondence: Marsha Rich ROSNER +773-702-0380 (phone) m-rosner@uchicago.edu

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Abstract

Proteins like Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) that serve as modulators of signaling pathways, either by promoting or inhibiting the formation of productive signaling complexes through protein-protein interactions, have been demonstrated to play an increasingly important role in a number of cell types and organisms. These proteins have been implicated in development as well as the progression of cancer. RKIP is a particularly interesting regulator, as it is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed protein that has been shown to play a role in growth and differentiation in a number of organisms and can regulate multiple signaling pathways. RKIP is also the first MAP kinase signaling modulator to be identified as playing a role in cancer metastasis, and identification of the mechanism by which it regulates Raf-1 activation provides new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: MAPK, RKIP, Raf, PKC.