Could cell division cycle protein 42 be a target for lung cancer treatment

Abstract

Cell division cycle protein 42 (Cdc42), a member of the Rho GTPase family, which is part of the Ras superfamily, plays important roles in multiple fundamental cellular processes. Deregulation of Cdc42 may cause cellular defects that are responsible for the activation of signaling pathways, and such deregulation is related to cancer formation. Lung cancer is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. Cdc42 is overexpressed in human lung cancer samples, which suggests that this protein is associated with lung carcinogenesis. Herein, we review the functions of Cdc42 in lung cancer and discuss potential pharmacological approaches that target Cdc42 in cancer cells.