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Targeting tumor invasion: the roles of MDA-9/Syntenin
Timothy P Kegelman1, Swadesh K Das, Luni Emdad
1Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics , Richmond, VA , USA.
Introduction:
Melanoma differentiation-associated gene - 9 (MDA-9)/Syntenin has become an increasingly popular focus for investigation in numerous cancertypes. Originally implicated in melanoma metastasis, it has diverse cellular roles and is consistently identified as a regulator of tumor invasion and angiogenesis. As a potential target for inhibiting some of the most lethal aspects of cancer progression, further insight into the function of MDA-9/Syntenin is mandatory.
Areas Covered:
Recent literature and seminal articles were reviewed to summarize the latest collective understanding of MDA-9/Syntenin's role in normal and cancerous settings. Insights into its participation in developmental processes are included, as is the functional significance of the N- and C-terminals and PDZ domains of MDA-9/Syntenin. Current reports highlight the clinical significance of MDA-9/Syntenin expression level in a variety of cancers, often correlating directly with reduced patient survival. Also presented are assessments of roles of MDA-9/Syntenin in cancer progression as well as its functions as an intracellular adapter molecule.
Expert Opinion:
Multiple studies demonstrate the importance of MDA-9/Syntenin in tumor invasion and progression. Through the use of novel drug design approaches, this protein may provide a worthwhile therapeutic target. As many conventional therapies do not address, or even enhance, tumor invasion, an anti-invasive approach would be a worthwhile addition in cancer therapy.
Insights
Melanoma differentiation-associated gene - 9 (MDA-9)/Syntenin is crucial for cancer invasion and progression. Targeting MDA-9/Syntenin offers a promising anti-invasive therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Melanoma differentiation-associated gene - 9 (MDA-9)/Syntenin is increasingly investigated across cancer types.
- It regulates tumor invasion and angiogenesis, impacting cancer metastasis.
- Understanding MDA-9/Syntenin's function is vital for developing novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the current understanding of MDA-9/Syntenin's role in normal and cancerous conditions.
- To highlight the clinical significance and functional aspects of MDA-9/Syntenin.
- To explore its potential as a therapeutic target for inhibiting cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of recent literature and seminal articles on MDA-9/Syntenin.
- Analysis of MDA-9/Syntenin's involvement in developmental processes.
- Examination of the functional significance of its N- and C-terminals and PDZ domains.
Main Results:
- MDA-9/Syntenin expression levels correlate with reduced patient survival in various cancers.
- The protein acts as an intracellular adapter molecule, regulating cancer progression.
- Its role in tumor invasion and angiogenesis is consistently reported.
Conclusions:
- MDA-9/Syntenin is a significant factor in tumor invasion and progression.
- Targeting MDA-9/Syntenin presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
- An anti-invasive approach targeting MDA-9/Syntenin could complement existing cancer therapies.
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