Human DAB2 interaction protein (DAB2IP) is a novel member of Ras GTPase-activating protein family. It interacts directly with disabled-2 protein (DAB2/DOC2) which suppresses growth of cancers derived from different tissues, including mammary, prostate and ovarian cancers. DAB2IP was identified as an immediate downstream effector mediated by DAB2/DOC2. DAB2IP and DAB2/DOC2 form a unique protein complex that has a negative regulatory effect on the Ras-mediated signal pathway. It is demonstrated that DAB2IP is a tumor suppressor gene inactivated by methylation in several cancers. This article reviews the structure and biological functions of DAB2IP gene as well as its potential roles in carcinogenesis and evolution.
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