Fig. 3. Structure, downstream signaling pathways, and biological functions of EMP2 protein. (A) Domain architecture of the EMP2 protein, three-dimensional structure (source:
https://www.genecards.org), and post-translational modifications of EMP2 protein. (B) Mechanisms of EMP2 in cancer progression and metastasis. Interaction between EMP2 and integrins or cell surface receptors triggers activation or inactivation of downstream signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NFκB, FAK/Src/MAPK, and JNK/STAT3. This modulation influences key biological processes such as migration, invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and apoptosis. Additionally, the inhibition of EMP2 by diabodies or IgG can lead to alterations in these molecular signaling pathways. RTK, Receptor tyrosine kinase; VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
