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The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in cancer: biological functions and therapeutic implications

Juliano D Paccez1, Matjaz Vogelsang, M Iqbal Parker

  • 1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

International Journal of Cancer
|May 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl is upregulated in many cancers and drives tumor formation and therapeutic resistance. Inhibiting Axl shows promise as a new cancer treatment strategy, particularly for acute myeloid leukemia and other solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer malignancy.
  • Axl upregulation is observed across various cancer types, suggesting its significance in tumorigenesis.
  • Axl inhibition has demonstrated efficacy in blocking tumor formation in preclinical models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions, regulation, and role of Axl in cancer development.
  • To discuss Axl's involvement in therapeutic resistance.
  • To highlight Axl as a potential drug target for specific cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on Axl signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Axl's function in cancer progression.
  • Examination of data on Axl's impact on treatment response and resistance.

Main Results:

  • Axl signaling contributes to cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
  • Axl expression is linked to resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents.
  • Targeting Axl may overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Axl is a critical mediator of cancer malignancy and a significant driver of therapeutic resistance.
  • Axl represents a promising therapeutic target for cancers including acute myeloid leukemia, breast, prostate, and non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Further research into Axl-targeted therapies is warranted to improve cancer treatment efficacy.
Keywords:
Axlcancercancer therapydrug resistancereceptor tyrosine kinases

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