Podosomal proteins as causes of human syndromes: a role in craniofacial development?

Podosomes and invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions of the plasma membrane important for matrix degradation and cell migration. Most of the information in this field has been obtained in cancer cells, where the presence of invadopodia has been related to increased invasiveness and metastatic potential. The importance of the related podosome structure in other pathological or physiological processes that require cell invasion is relatively unexplored. Recent evidence indicates that essential components of podosomes are responsible for several human syndromes, some of which are characterized by serious developmental defects involving the craniofacial area, skeleton and heart, and very poor prognosis. Here we will review them and discuss the possible role of podosomes as a player in correct embryo development.