Expression patterns and physiological roles of SH3BGR protein family as adaptor proteins

Cell signal transduction is a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. Adaptor proteins containing SH2 or/and SH3 domain play critical roles in cell signaling and diseases. Recently, SH3 domain-binding glutamic acid-rich (SH3BGR) protein family members were characterized, except SH3BGRL3, they share a consensus SH3-binding motif and a Homer EVH1 binding motif, and function in physiological and pathological events of many diseases, including Down syndrome, diabetes and cancers. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in expression patterns and physiological roles of SH3BGR family members in model systems and cancers, and suggested the further endeavors to unmask their real facets in homeostasis and pathogenecity when dysfunctional to provide potential hints for the diagonosis and therapy of related diseases.