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EMP1, EMP 2, and EMP3 as novel therapeutic targets in human cancer
Yi-Wen Wang1, Hong-Ling Cheng2, Ya-Rou Ding3
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The epithelial membrane protein genes 1, 2, and 3 (EMP1, EMP2, and EMP3) belong to the peripheral myelin protein 22-kDa (PMP22) gene family, which consists of at least seven members: PMP22, EMP1, EMP2, EMP3, PERP, brain cell membrane protein 1, and MP20. This review addresses the structural and functional features of EMPs, detailing their tissue distribution and functions in the human body, their expression pattern in a variety of tumors, and highlighting the underlying mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. The implications in cancer biology, patient prognosis prediction, and potential application in disease therapy are discussed. For example, EMP1 was reported to be a biomarker of gefitinib resistance in lung cancer and contributes to prednisolone resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. EMP2 functions as an oncogene in human endometrial and ovarian cancers; however, characteristics of EMP2 in urothelial cancer fulfill the criteria of a suppressor gene. Of particular interest, EMP3 overexpression in breast cancer is significantly related to strong HER-2 expression. Co-expression of HER-2 and EMP3 is the most important indicator of progression-free and metastasis-free survival for patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Altogether, discovery of pharmacological inhibitors and/or regulators of EMP protein activity could open novel strategies for enhanced therapy against EMP-mediated human diseases.
Insights
Epithelial membrane protein genes (EMP1, EMP2, EMP3) are linked to cancer development and drug resistance. Targeting these proteins may offer new therapeutic strategies for various human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epithelial membrane protein genes (EMP1, EMP2, EMP3) are part of the peripheral myelin protein 22-kDa (PMP22) gene family.
- These genes have diverse roles in human tissue distribution and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and functional characteristics of EMPs.
- To examine EMP expression patterns in various tumors and their role in carcinogenesis.
- To discuss the implications of EMPs in cancer biology, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on EMP1, EMP2, and EMP3.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in different cancer types.
- Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying EMP-mediated carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- EMP1 is a biomarker for gefitinib resistance in lung cancer and prednisolone resistance in leukemia.
- EMP2 acts as an oncogene in endometrial and ovarian cancers but as a suppressor gene in urothelial cancer.
- EMP3 overexpression in breast cancer correlates with HER-2 expression; co-expression with HER-2 predicts survival in urothelial carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- EMPs play multifaceted roles in cancer, influencing drug resistance and patient prognosis.
- Understanding EMP functions provides insights into carcinogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
- Targeting EMP protein activity could lead to novel treatment strategies for EMP-mediated diseases.