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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Through the Looking Glass: Time-lapse Microscopy and Longitudinal Tracking of Single Cells to Study Anti-cancer Therapeutics
06:00

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Published on: May 14, 2016

Stathmin 1: a novel therapeutic target for anticancer activity

Shushan Rana1, Phillip B Maples, Neil Senzer

  • 1Gradalis, Inc., 2545 Golden Bear Drive, Suite 110, Carrollton, TX 75006, USA. srana@gradalisinc.com

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|September 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Stathmin 1 (STMN1) is a protein crucial for cell division. Its overexpression in many cancers suggests STMN1 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Stathmin 1 (STMN1) is a 19 kDa cytosolic phosphoprotein.
  • It is the first discovered member of a family of microtubule-destabilizing proteins.
  • STMN1 plays a critical role in mitotic spindle assembly and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of STMN1 in cell proliferation and cancer.
  • To summarize data supporting STMN1 as a therapeutic target in oncology.
  • To provide rationale for the clinical manipulation of STMN1.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing data on STMN1.
  • Analysis of STMN1 expression patterns in various cell types and malignancies.
  • Evaluation of STMN1's role in cell cycle regulation and cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • STMN1 is essential for mitosis progression in diverse cell types.
  • Overexpression of STMN1 is observed across a wide spectrum of human cancers.
  • STMN1 is upregulated in proliferating cells, including cancer cells, but rarely in non-proliferating cells.

Conclusions:

  • STMN1 is frequently overexpressed in human malignancies.
  • Its critical role in mitosis and cancer progression makes it a viable therapeutic target.
  • Targeting STMN1 offers a potential strategy for novel cancer therapies.

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