Surfing the big WAVE: Insights into the role of WAVE3 as a driving force in cancer progression and metastasis

WAVE3 belongs to the WASP/WAVE family of actin cytoskeleton remodeling proteins. These proteins are known to be involved in several biological functions ranging from controlling cell shape and movement, to being closely associated with pathological conditions such as cancer progression and metastasis. Last decade has seen an explosion in the literature reporting significant scientific advances on the molecular mechanisms whereby the WASP/WAVE proteins are regulated both in normal physiological as well as pathological conditions.The purpose of this review is to present the major findings pertaining to how WAVE3 has become a critical player in the regulation of signaling pathways involved in cancer progression and metastasis. The review will conclude with suggesting options for the potential use of WAVE3 as a therapeutic target to prevent the progression of cancer to the lethal stage that is the metastatic disease.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Regulation of MMPs by WAVE3 is required for cancer cell invasion. ► c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of WAVE3 is required for lamellipodia formation and cell migration. ► Metastasis-suppressor microRNAs regulate WAVE3 during EMT and the invasion-metastasis cascade. ► WAVE3, a metastasis promoter gene, regulates invasion and metastasis of breast and prostate cancer cells. ► WAVE3 is a biomarker for the triple negative breast cancer subtype.