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Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
Published on: September 30, 2016
ENOX2 (or tNOX): a new and old molecule with cancer activity involved in tumor prevention and therapy
G Ronconi1, G Lessiani2, E Spinas3
1UOS Clinica dei Pazienti del Territorio, Policlinico Gemelli, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
Cancer includes a number of related diseases due to abnormal cell proliferation that spreads to nearby tissues. Many compounds (physical, chemical and biological) have been used to try to halt this abnormal proliferation, but the therapeutic results are poor, due also to the side effects. It has been reported that ecto-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase di-sulfide-thiol exchanger 2 (ENOX2), also known as tumor-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (tNOX), was found to be located on the cancer cell surface, essential for cancer cell growth. Capsaicin and other anti-oxidants are capable of inhibiting tNOX, causing apoptosis of cells, exerting anti-tumor activity. It is interesting that some authors reported that ENOX2 is present in the serum of cancer patients several years before the clinical symptoms of the tumor. However, this result has to be confirmed. In this article we discuss ENOX2 and its inhibition as a hope of improving cancer therapy.
Insights
Ecto-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase di-sulfide-thiol exchanger 2 (ENOX2), a protein on cancer cells, can be inhibited by antioxidants like capsaicin. This inhibition shows promise for new anti-cancer therapies and potential early detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Current cancer therapies have limited efficacy and significant side effects.
- Ecto-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase di-sulfide-thiol exchanger 2 (ENOX2), also known as tumor-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (tNOX), is implicated in cancer cell growth and found on cancer cell surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of ENOX2 in cancer.
- To discuss the potential of inhibiting ENOX2 for cancer therapy.
- To review the significance of ENOX2 as a potential biomarker.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ENOX2 and tNOX.
- Analysis of the effects of capsaicin and other antioxidants on ENOX2.
- Discussion of ENOX2's presence in cancer patient serum.
Main Results:
- ENOX2 is crucial for cancer cell proliferation.
- Inhibition of ENOX2 by capsaicin and antioxidants induces apoptosis and exhibits anti-tumor activity.
- ENOX2 has been reported in the serum of cancer patients years before clinical diagnosis, though this requires further confirmation.
Conclusions:
- ENOX2 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
- Inhibiting ENOX2 offers a potential strategy to improve cancer therapy outcomes.
- Further research is needed to validate ENOX2 as an early diagnostic marker.
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