Network-based prioritization of cancer biomarkers by phenotype-driven module detection and ranking

Background:Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents.Objective:To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC).Results:We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate.Conclusion:Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.

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Breast Cancer Biomarkers: Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Prediction of Treatment Efficacy and Toxicity, and Recurrence

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612819666131125145517 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (30) ◽

pp. 4879-4898 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Amy Braden ◽

Rachel Stankowski ◽

Jessica Engel ◽

Adedayo Onitilo

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Treatment Efficacy ◽

Cancer Biomarkers ◽

Prognosis Prediction ◽

Breast Cancer Biomarkers ◽

Prediction Of Treatment Efficacy

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Extracellular Vesicles in Tumor Diagnosis: A Mini-Review

Current Molecular Medicine ◽

10.2174/1573405616666201209103154 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Si Yu ◽

Menglin Huang ◽

Jingyu Wang ◽

Yongchang Zheng ◽

Haifeng Xu

Keyword(s):

Clinical Diagnosis ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Cancer Biomarkers ◽

Related Substances ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

Cancer Pathogenesis ◽

Limited Application ◽

Low Sensitivity ◽

Shed Light

: Widely exploration of noninvasive tumor/cancer biomarkers has shed light on clinical diagnosis. However, many under-investigated biomarkers showed limited application potency due to low sensitivity and specificity, while extracellular vehicles (EVs) were gradually recognized as promising candidates. EVs are small vesicles transporting bioactive cargos between cells in multiple physiological processes and also in tumor/cancer pathogenesis. This review aimed to offer recent studies of EVs on structure, classification, physiological functions, as well as changes in tumor initiation and progression. Furthermore, we focused on advances of EVs and/or EV-related substances in cancer diagnosis, and summarized ongoing studies of promising candidates for future investigations.

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