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Targeting nuclear transporters in cancer: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential

Tamara Stelma1, Alicia Chi1, Pauline J van der Watt1

  • 1Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, SAMRC/UCT Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

IUBMB Life
|March 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Karyopherins, essential nuclear transport proteins, are dysregulated in cancer. Research is exploring their potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Karyopherins are crucial soluble transport receptors facilitating nuclear-cytoplasmic transport.
  • Nuclear transport is vital for cellular functions, including transcription, signaling, and cell cycle regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dysregulation of Karyopherin proteins in cancer cells.
  • To explore the potential of nuclear transporters as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Karyopherin expression and localization in cancer cells.
  • Review of recent studies on nuclear transporters in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Karyopherin proteins are frequently dysregulated in cancer through altered expression, localization, or disrupted inhibitors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests nuclear transporters' utility as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulation of Karyopherins is a hallmark of cancer.
  • Nuclear transporters represent a promising avenue for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Keywords:
CRM1/ExportinKaryopherin/Importincancerdiagnostic/prognostic cancer biomarkersnuclear transporttherapeutic target

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