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Masquerader: high mobility group box-1 and cancer
Jessica E Ellerman1, Charles K Brown, Michael de Vera
1Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Summary
High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein is involved in cellular processes and diseases like cancer. Overexpressed HMGB1, with its receptor, promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, identified 33 years ago, has diverse cellular roles.
- Initially chromatin-associated, HMGB1 is also found in cytoplasm and extracellularly as a cytokine.
- HMGB1 is implicated in various diseases, including Alzheimer's, sepsis, arthritis, and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of HMGB1 in cancer development and metastasis.
- To explore HMGB1's association with tumor proliferation and spread.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets related to HMGB1 in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HMGB1's functions and disease associations.
- Analysis of studies linking HMGB1 overexpression to cancer progression.
- Examination of HMGB1's role in conjunction with its receptor for advanced glycation end products.
Main Results:
- HMGB1 overexpression, especially with its receptor, correlates with proliferation and metastasis in breast, colon, and melanoma.
- HMGB1 acts as a cytokine and differentiation factor.
- HMGB1 is implicated in tumor growth and spread.
Conclusions:
- HMGB1 plays a significant role in cancer development and metastasis.
- Targeting HMGB1 and its receptor presents a potential therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
- Further research into HMGB1's mechanisms in cancer is warranted.
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