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Clinical Implications of Augmenter of Liver Regeneration in Cancer: A Systematic Review
Kevin H Nguyen1, Austin H Nguyen1, Deepa V Dabir2
1Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Background/Aim:
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a substantial healthcare burden with high prevalence and poor prognosis. As such, efforts are continually made to uncover molecules relevant in cancer biology, that are exploitable as targets for therapy. The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell and exhibits altered functionality in the malignant state, including aberrant regulation of apoptosis and cellular respiration. Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a multifunctional mitochondrial protein that demonstrates anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties and plays a key role in liver regeneration.
Materials And Methods:
The present study systematically reviews the available literature on the role of ALR in cancer.
Results:
Systematic search of PubMed resulted in 12 studies discussing ALR in multiple types of cancer. More specifically, ALR appears to be up-regulated in malignant cells and tissues. Furthermore, treatment of cells with exogenous ALR shows an anti-apoptotic effect while silencing or inhibiting ALR decreases cell and tumor survival.
Conclusion:
ALR clearly plays a role in cancer biology and demonstrates potential as a therapeutic target.
Insights
Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a mitochondrial protein that plays a role in cancer. ALR is upregulated in tumors and may be a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma presents a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor patient outcomes.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, including altered apoptosis and cellular respiration, is a hallmark of cancer.
- Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a mitochondrial protein with known anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic functions, crucial in liver regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the role of Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in the context of cancer biology.
- To evaluate the potential of ALR as a therapeutic target for various cancer types.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies.
- The review focused on studies investigating the expression and functional role of ALR in cancer.
Main Results:
- The search identified 12 studies examining ALR across different cancer types.
- ALR was found to be consistently upregulated in malignant cells and tissues.
- Exogenous ALR administration exhibited anti-apoptotic effects, whereas ALR inhibition or silencing reduced cancer cell and tumor survival.
Conclusions:
- Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is implicated in cancer development and progression.
- ALR presents a promising molecular target for the development of novel cancer therapies.
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