Targeting the dynamic HSP90 complex in cancer

Jane Trepel1, Mehdi Mollapour, Giuseppe Giaccone

  • 1Medical Oncology Branch Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, room 1-5940, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Insights

Cancer cells rely on heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) to support oncoprotein function. Understanding HSP90

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone crucial for cancer cell survival.
  • Cancer cells exhibit a dependency, or 'addiction,' to HSP90 for the function of numerous oncoproteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the complex role of HSP90 in cancer.
  • To investigate the implications of HSP90 regulation for targeted cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of HSP90's role in neoplastic cellular physiology.
  • Evaluation of HSP90's involvement in normal cellular functions.

Main Results:

  • HSP90 facilitates the function of multiple oncoproteins in cancer cells.
  • HSP90 plays a role in both cancer and normal cellular physiology.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal use of HSP90 inhibitors requires a deep understanding of HSP90's complex regulatory network.
  • Further research into HSP90's dual role is essential for developing effective HSP90-targeted cancer therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...