Human DNAJ in cancer and stem cells

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Heat shock protein 40kDa (HSP40/DNAJ) co-chaperones are the largest HSP subgroup.
• DNAJ proteins regulate HSP70 and HSP90 chaperone functions.
• DNAJ also possess chaperone-independent biological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on DNAJ function and expression in cancer, stem cells, and cancer stem cells.
• To propose DNAJ as key regulators in these cellular contexts.
• To explore DNAJ as potential drug targets for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research.
• Analysis of gene expression and proteomics data.
• Integration of findings from various biological systems.

Main Results:

• DNAJ proteins are differentially expressed in human tissues.
• DNAJ can promote or suppress cancer by chaperoning tumor suppressors or oncoproteins.
• DNAJ are implicated as key regulators of cancer, stem cell, and cancer stem cell functions.

Conclusions:

• The diversity of DNAJ suggests specific members may be targeted for anti-cancer drug development.
• Selected DNAJ with established links to malignancy and limited redundancy are attractive therapeutic targets.
• Targeting DNAJ offers potential for specific and selective anti-cancer treatments.