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High Mobility Group B Proteins, Their Partners, and Other Redox Sensors in Ovarian and Prostate Cancer
Aida Barreiro-Alonso1, Mónica Lamas-Maceiras1, Esther Rodríguez-Belmonte1
1Center for Investigacións Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Sciences Faculty, University of Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain ; Translational Cancer Research Group, A Coruña Biomedical Research Institute (INIBIC), Carretera del Pasaje s/n, 15006 A Coruña, Spain.
Abstract:
Cancer cells try to avoid the overproduction of reactive oxygen species by metabolic rearrangements. These cells also develop specific strategies to increase ROS resistance and to express the enzymatic activities necessary for ROS detoxification. Oxidative stress produces DNA damage and also induces responses, which could help the cell to restore the initial equilibrium. But if this is not possible, oxidative stress finally activates signals that will lead to cell death. High mobility group B (HMGB) proteins have been previously related to the onset and progressions of cancers of different origins. The protein HMGB1 behaves as a redox sensor and its structural changes, which are conditioned by the oxidative environment, are associated with different functions of the protein. This review describes recent advances in the role of human HMGB proteins and other proteins interacting with them, in cancerous processes related to oxidative stress, with special reference to ovarian and prostate cancer. Their participation in the molecular mechanisms of resistance to cisplatin, a drug commonly used in chemotherapy, is also revised.
Insights
Cancer cells manage reactive oxygen species (ROS) through metabolic changes and detoxification. High mobility group B (HMGB) proteins, particularly HMGB1, are involved in cancer progression and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer cells employ metabolic rearrangements to manage reactive oxygen species (ROS) and develop resistance mechanisms.
- Oxidative stress can cause DNA damage, triggering cellular responses that may lead to cell death if equilibrium cannot be restored.
- High mobility group B (HMGB) proteins are implicated in cancer development and progression, with HMGB1 acting as a redox sensor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the role of human HMGB proteins in cancer.
- To explore the connection between HMGB proteins, oxidative stress, and cancer progression, with a focus on ovarian and prostate cancers.
- To examine the involvement of HMGB proteins in cisplatin resistance during chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances.
- Analysis of the role of HMGB proteins and interacting proteins in cancer.
- Focus on oxidative stress mechanisms and drug resistance in specific cancer types.
Main Results:
- HMGB proteins, especially HMGB1, are crucial in cancer development and progression.
- HMGB1's function is influenced by its structural changes in response to the oxidative environment.
- HMGB proteins play a role in the molecular mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin.
Conclusions:
- Human HMGB proteins are significantly involved in cancer processes linked to oxidative stress.
- HMGB proteins contribute to chemoresistance, particularly against cisplatin in ovarian and prostate cancers.
- Understanding HMGB protein functions in oxidative stress is vital for developing new cancer therapies.
