Roles of Moesin in tumor progression

Moesin is a component of ERM(Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin)family proteins linking cell membrane proteins with cytoskeleton. It is involved in cell morphological change and the maintaining of cell cortex and is also involved in cell adhesion, migration and polarization by regulating the signal transduction pathways. Moesin plays a vital role in several aspects of tumor initiation and progression through its regulation on cytoskeleton and signal transduction pathways. This article reviews the close relation between Moesin and its phosphorylated form with the higher level of malignancy and poor prognosis through clinic data analysis. Furthermore, the role and mechanism of Moesin on tumor migration, EMT and tumor proliferation are presented. Drug research and development based on the target of Moesin are also concluded.