Ras Suppressor Protein 1 (RSU1) is a protein that plays a significant role in the Ras signal transduction pathway, which is crucial for various cellular processes including growth inhibition and differentiation. Initially identified for its ability to inhibit v-Ras transformation, RSU1 has been extensively studied in both mouse and human cell lines .
RSU1 was discovered as a suppressor of Ras-induced transformation, meaning it can inhibit the oncogenic activity of the Ras protein. Ras proteins are small GTPases that play a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Mutations in Ras genes are common in various cancers, making the study of RSU1 particularly important .
RSU1 localizes to cell-extracellular matrix adhesions, which are critical for cell migration and invasion. This localization suggests that RSU1 may play a role in regulating metastasis-related cellular processes .
Recent studies have provided detailed insights into the structure of RSU1 and its interaction with other proteins. RSU1 interacts with PINCH1, a component of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK)/PINCH/Parvin (IPP) complex, which is essential for focal adhesion formation and signaling. The interaction between RSU1 and PINCH1 negatively regulates F-actin bundling, thereby affecting cell adhesion and migration .
RSU1’s role in cancer has been a subject of significant research. Elevated expression of RSU1 has been observed in various cancer types, including breast, liver, and brain cancers. Its role in regulating metastasis-related processes, such as cell invasion and migration, is still being explored. However, in vitro studies have shown that RSU1 can impair stress fiber formation and cell spreading, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target .