Ezr, a member of the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) protein family, is recognized as a regulator of adhesion signal pathways. It plays significant roles in cell adhesion, ameboidal-type cell migration, and cell junction assembly. It has been implicated in the invasion and metastasis of various cancers, with its dysregulation affecting the FAK/AKT signaling pathway [1].

Research has shown that EZR is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells compared to paracancerous tissues and cells. Its high expression is positively correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival in pancreatic cancer patients. In pancreatic cancer cell lines, EZR promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Inhibition of EZR suppresses these malignant behaviors, suggesting its crucial role in pancreatic cancer progression [1].

In ovarian cancer, serum anti-EZR autoantibody shows potential as a diagnostic marker, as its expression is higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to normal controls. A panel containing anti-EZR, along with other autoantibodies, may serve as a favorable diagnostic tool and a complementary biomarker for existing ovarian cancer diagnostic markers [2].

In vitiligo-related research, SIRT7 inhibits melanin synthesis in melanocytes by suppressing the succinylation of EZR. Knocking down SIRT7 promotes the succinylation of EZR at the Lys (K)60 site, leading to increased melanin synthesis [3].

In conclusion, Ezr is an important regulator in adhesion-related signal pathways and significantly impacts cancer-related processes like proliferation, metastasis, and also melanin synthesis in vitiligo. Understanding Ezr's functions through research on its expression levels and regulatory mechanisms in different diseases provides valuable insights into disease diagnosis, prognosis, and potential treatment strategies.

References:

1. Xu, Jian, Zhang, Wei. 2021. EZR promotes pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by activating FAK/AKT signaling pathway. In Cancer cell international, 21, 521. doi:10.1186/s12935-021-02222-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34627255/

2. Cheng, Yifan, Li, Qing, Sun, Guiying, Shi, Jianxiang, Wang, Peng. 2024. Serum anti-CFL1, anti-EZR, and anti-CYPA autoantibody as diagnostic markers in ovarian cancer. In Scientific reports, 14, 9757. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-60544-2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38684875/

3. Ma, Yuehong, Chang, Hongqin. 2024. SIRT7 Inhibits Melanin Synthesis of PIG1 and PIG3V by Suppressing the Succinylation of EZR. In Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 17, 1495-1504. doi:10.2147/CCID.S462280. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38933605/