Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II and its functions in (patho)physiological processes

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II (EMAP-II) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
• Its precursor, proEMAP/p43, is linked to protein translation via the tRNA multisynthetase complex.
• Both proEMAP/p43 and EMAP-II exhibit cytokine properties and affect various cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing data on the isolation, expression, and functions of EMAP-II.
• To explore EMAP-II's roles in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly cancer.
• To discuss proEMAP/p43 processing into EMAP-II and potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published data.
• Analysis of studies on EMAP-II isolation and expression.
• Examination of research on EMAP-II functions in various cell types and disease models.

Main Results:

• EMAP-II possesses pro-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities.
• ProEMAP/p43, the precursor, also has cytokine properties and is involved in translation.
• EMAP-II and its precursor impact endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• EMAP-II is a multifunctional cytokine with significant roles in both normal physiology and disease, especially cancer.
• Understanding the processing of proEMAP/p43 to EMAP-II is crucial.
• EMAP-II holds potential for novel cancer therapies.