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Clusterin/apolipoprotein J in human aging and cancer
Ioannis P Trougakos1, Efstathios S Gonos
1Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Aging, Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vas Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|August 30, 2002
Summary
Clusterin (ApoJ) is a protein found in all human fluids, implicated in various cellular processes. Its upregulation in aging, senescence, and cancer suggests a complex role in disease, potentially predisposing to cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Clusterin/Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is a conserved secreted glycoprotein found in human tissues and fluids.
- Despite extensive study since its cloning in 1989, ApoJ's precise physiological functions remain elusive.
- ApoJ is implicated in diverse processes including lipid transport, apoptosis, and cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on ApoJ's regulation, function, and cellular roles.
- To explore ApoJ's involvement in cellular senescence and tumorigenesis.
- To investigate the implications of ApoJ's intracellular forms and interactions in signal transduction and DNA repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ApoJ.
- Analysis of ApoJ's differential gene regulation by cytokines, growth factors, and stress.
- Examination of ApoJ's association with aging, neurodegeneration, senescence, and cancer progression.
Main Results:
- ApoJ is upregulated in aging, neurodegenerative conditions, and cellular senescence.
- Paradoxically, ApoJ is also upregulated in cancer progression and tumor formation.
- Recent findings reveal intracellular ApoJ forms interacting with signal transduction and DNA repair pathways.
Conclusions:
- ApoJ's complex expression patterns suggest multifaceted roles in normal physiology and disease.
- Overexpression of ApoJ during cellular senescence may paradoxically contribute to cancer predisposition.
- Further research into ApoJ's intracellular functions is crucial for understanding its role in aging and cancer.