Deleted in liver cancer-1 (DLC1): An emerging metastasis suppressor gene

While significant progress continues to be made in the early detection and therapeutic management of primary tumors, the incidence of metastatic disease remains the major cause of mortality. Accordingly, the development of novel effective therapies that can ameliorate dissemination and secondary tumor growth are a clinical priority. The identification of genetic and functional alterations in cancer cells that affect factors implicated in the metastatic process is critical for designing preventive and therapeutic strategies. Evidence implicating the protein deleted in liver cancer-1 (DLC1), a Rho GTPase activator, in metastasis has accumulated to a point where DLC1 may be considered as a metastasis suppressor gene. This review presents evidence supporting an anti-metastatic role for DLC1 in several human cancers and discusses the mechanisms contributing to its inhibitory effects. In addition, promising opportunities for therapeutic interventions based on DLC1 function and downstream pathways involved in the metastatic process are considered.