scholarly journals Multifaceted role of tensins in cancer

Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alfahed ◽  
Teresa P Raposo ◽  
Mohammad Ilyas

Tensins are structural adaptor proteins localized at focal adhesions. Tensins can act as mechanosensors and participate in the transduction of biochemical signals from the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, acting as an interface able to alter cell behavior in responses to changes in their surrounding environment. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the main functions of the four known tensins in cell and cancer biology, their homology and recently unveiled signaling mechanisms. We focus specifically on how tensin 4 (TNS4/Cten) may contribute to cancer both as an oncogene supporting metastasis and as tumour suppressor in different types of tissue. A better understanding of the cancer mechanistics involving tensins may provide the rationale for development of specific therapeutic strategies.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alfahed ◽  
Teresa P Raposo ◽  
Mohammad Ilyas

Tensins are structural adaptor proteins localized at focal adhesions. Tensins can act as mechanosensors and participate in the transduction of biochemical signals from the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, acting as an interface able to alter cell behavior in responses to changes in their surrounding environment. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the main functions of the four known tensins in cell and cancer biology, their homology and recently unveiled signaling mechanisms. We focus specifically on how tensin 4 (TNS4/Cten) may contribute to cancer both as an oncogene supporting metastasis and as tumour suppressor in different types of tissue. A better understanding of the cancer mechanistics involving tensins may provide the rationale for development of specific therapeutic strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Luca Fiorillo ◽  
Gabriele Cervino ◽  
Giovanni Surace ◽  
Rosa De Stefano ◽  
Luigi Laino ◽  
...  

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for different pathological manifestations in humans. This agent gives rise to lesions of different types and in different areas of the organism, including the oral cavity. The aim of this study is to show which are the main diseases for which HPV is responsible and to bring to light some of the interceptive and therapeutic strategies. The analysis was conducted by consulting the major scientific databases with the aim of obtaining information on the characteristics of oral HPV and its management; furthermore, the literature was supported by some clinical cases proposed by the authors. The role of dentistry is essential in the early diagnosis of this type of pathologies and above all in knowing how to direct patients towards a path that can lead to patient management, especially in the event that these lesions have a malignant potential. Enhancing the knowledge and role of dentistry can lead to early diagnosis of this type of injury, intercepting a pathology that could have multiorgan implications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-60

Many factors including growth factors (GF), scaffold materials, and chemical and physical cues determine the cell behaviors. For many years, growth factors have been considered as the pivotal cell behavior regulators, whereas recent studies emphasize also the key role of physical factors such as mechanical forces, cell shape, surface topographies, and extracellular matrix (ECM) in regulating the cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, etc. through mechanotransduction pathways. In this process, the cell morphology and mechanical properties of the cell's micro/ nano-environments and ECM can be conveyed to the nucleus by regulating transcriptional factors such as Yes-associated protein and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Generally, YAP/TAZ activity is considered as the key factor for the growth of whole organs, however, recent studies have also repeatedly addressed the role of YAP/TAZ in mechanotransduction. In this review, the biological functions of the YAP/TAZ pathway and its contribution to the mechanotransduction and cell behavior regulation in response to the mechanical cues have been summarized. Also, the role of key mechanical checkpoints in the cell including focal adhesions, cytoskeletal tension, Rho small GTPases, and nuclear membrane protein elements involved in the transfer of environmental mechanical cues from the cell surface to the nucleus and their effect in regulating the YAP/TAZ activity are discussed.


Acta Naturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-90
Author(s):  
Margarita A. Yastrebova ◽  
Alvina I. Khamidullina ◽  
Victor V. Tatarskiy ◽  
Alexander M. Scherbakov

The review analyzes Snail family proteins, which are transcription factors involved in the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells. We describe the structure of these proteins, their post-translational modification, and the mechanisms of Snail-dependent regulation of genes. The role of Snail proteins in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis is analyzed. Furthermore, we focus on EMT signaling mechanisms involving Snail proteins. Next, we dissect Snail signaling in hypoxia, a condition that complicates anticancer treatment. Finally, we offer classes of chemical compounds capable of down-regulating the transcriptional activity of Snails. Given the important role of Snail proteins in cancer biology and the potential for pharmacological inhibition, Snail family proteins may be considered promising as therapeutic targets.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suvi-Tuuli Vilen ◽  
Tuula Salo ◽  
Timo Sorsa ◽  
Pia Nyberg

One hallmark of cancer is the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is caused by proteinases. In oral cancers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9, are associated with this degradation. MMPs break down the ECM allowing cancer to spread; they also release various factors from their cryptic sites, including cytokines. These factors modulate cell behavior and enhance cancer progression by regulating angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and invasion. The development of early metastases is typical for oral cancer, and increased MMP-9 expression is associated with a poor disease prognosis. However, many studies fail to relate MMP-9 expression with metastasis formation. Contrary to earlier models, recent studies show that MMP-9 plays a protective role in oral cancers. Therefore, the role of MMP-9 is complicated and may fluctuate throughout the different types and stages of oral cancers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Rudzińska ◽  
Alessandro Parodi ◽  
Surinder M. Soond ◽  
Andrey Z. Vinarov ◽  
Dmitry O. Korolev ◽  
...  

Cysteine cathepsins are lysosomal enzymes belonging to the papain family. Their expression is misregulated in a wide variety of tumors, and ample data prove their involvement in cancer progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and in the occurrence of drug resistance. However, while their overexpression is usually associated with highly aggressive tumor phenotypes, their mechanistic role in cancer progression is still to be determined to develop new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we highlight the literature related to the role of the cysteine cathepsins in cancer biology, with particular emphasis on their input into tumor biology.


2018 ◽  
Vol 314 (2) ◽  
pp. F143-F153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Wright ◽  
Alexander Staruschenko ◽  
Andrey Sorokin

p66Shc is one of the three adaptor proteins encoded by the Shc1 gene, which are expressed in many organs, including the kidney. Recent studies shed new light on several key questions concerning the signaling mechanisms mediated by p66Shc. The central goal of this review article is to summarize recent findings on p66Shc and the role it plays in kidney physiology and pathology. This article provides a review of the various mechanisms whereby p66Shc has been shown to function within the kidney through a wide range of actions. The mitochondrial and cytoplasmic signaling of p66Shc, as it relates to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and renal pathologies, is further discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7524
Author(s):  
Olga Roche ◽  
Diego M. Fernández-Aroca ◽  
Elena Arconada-Luque ◽  
Natalia García-Flores ◽  
Liliana F. Mellor ◽  
...  

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is implicated in cancer biology and has been widely studied over the past two decades as a potential therapeutic target. Most of the biological and pathological implications of p38MAPK signaling are often associated with p38α (MAPK14). Recently, several members of the p38 family, including p38γ and p38δ, have been shown to play a crucial role in several pathologies including cancer. However, the specific role of p38β (MAPK11) in cancer is still elusive, and further investigation is needed. Here, we summarize what is currently known about the role of p38β in different types of tumors and its putative implication in cancer therapy. All evidence suggests that p38β might be a key player in cancer development, and could be an important therapeutic target in several pathologies, including cancer.


2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 735-760
Author(s):  
Benoît-Joseph Laventie ◽  
Urs Jenal

Bacteria thrive both in liquids and attached to surfaces. The concentration of bacteria on surfaces is generally much higher than in the surrounding environment, offering bacteria ample opportunity for mutualistic, symbiotic, and pathogenic interactions. To efficiently populate surfaces, they have evolved mechanisms to sense mechanical or chemical cues upon contact with solid substrata. This is of particular importance for pathogens that interact with host tissue surfaces. In this review we discuss how bacteria are able to sense surfaces and how they use this information to adapt their physiology and behavior to this new environment. We first survey mechanosensing and chemosensing mechanisms and outline how specific macromolecular structures can inform bacteria about surfaces. We then discuss how mechanical cues are converted to biochemical signals to activate specific cellular processes in a defined chronological order and describe the role of two key second messengers, c-di-GMP and cAMP, in this process.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1543-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Mongiat ◽  
Simone Buraschi ◽  
Eva Andreuzzi ◽  
Thomas Neill ◽  
Renato V. Iozzo

Abstract The extracellular matrix is a network of secreted macromolecules that provides a harmonious meshwork for the growth and homeostatic development of organisms. It conveys multiple signaling cascades affecting specific surface receptors that impact cell behavior. During cancer growth, this bioactive meshwork is remodeled and enriched in newly formed blood vessels, which provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing tumor cells. Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment leads to the formation of bioactive fragments that may have a distinct function from their parent molecules, and the balance among these factors directly influence cell viability and metastatic progression. Indeed, the matrix acts as a gatekeeper by regulating the access of cancer cells to nutrients. Here, we will critically evaluate the role of selected matrix constituents in regulating tumor angiogenesis and provide up-to-date information concerning their primary mechanisms of action.


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