Title:Repulsive Guidance Molecules (RGMs) and Their Potential Implication in Cancer as Co-receptor of BMPs
VOLUME: 7 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Jin Li, Lin Ye and Wen G. Jiang
Affiliation:Metastasis & Angiogenesis Research Group, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
Keywords:Repulsive guidance molecules (RGM), Neogenin, BMP signalling pathway, Smad, Cancer
Abstract:Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are a group of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked cellmembrane-
associated proteins recently described. RGM family members play a diverse role in axonal guidance during
embryo development, neuronal cell adhesion and regulation of systemic iron metabolism. Another important role of the
RGM family, discovered recently, is that they act as co-receptors of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a group of
proteins that are involved in bone development and the differentiation and progression of cancer. This indicates the
potential impact of RGMs on cancer. The current review discusses the present knowledge on RGMs, their roles in BMP
signalling and their potential implication in development and progression of cancer, particularly in the BMPs related bone
metastasis.
