Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Pipeline to Investigate the Structures and Signaling Pathways of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors
Published on: June 8, 2022
Targeting the lipids LPA and S1P and their signalling pathways to inhibit tumour progression
1Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mmmurph@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
The bioactive lipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), the enzymes that generate and degrade them, and the receptors that receive their signals are all potential therapeutic targets in cancer. LPA and S1P signalling pathways can modulate a range of cellular processes that contribute to tumourigenesis, such as proliferation and motility, and components of the signalling pathways often show aberrant expression and altered activity upon malignant transformation. This article reviews LPA- and S1P-mediated activities that might contribute to the aetiology of cancer, and examines the potential of the many antagonists that have been developed to inhibit LPA and S1P signalling pathways. In addition, the outcomes of various clinical trials using LPA- and S1P-associated targets in cancer and other diseases are described, and future directions are discussed.
Insights
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathways are implicated in cancer development. Targeting these pathways with antagonists offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bioactive lipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play roles in cellular processes.
- Aberrant expression and activity of LPA and S1P signaling components are observed in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review LPA- and S1P-mediated activities contributing to cancer etiology.
- To examine the therapeutic potential of antagonists targeting LPA and S1P signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of LPA and S1P signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for LPA and S1P targets.
Main Results:
- LPA and S1P signaling pathways modulate key tumorigenesis processes like proliferation and motility.
- Antagonists targeting these pathways show potential for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- LPA and S1P signaling pathways represent promising therapeutic targets in oncology.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore their full therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
