Melatonin and Hippo Pathway: Is There Existing Cross-Talk?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Cancer Biology

Background:

• Melatonin is an indolic hormone with diverse physiological roles, including circadian rhythm regulation and antioxidant activity.
• Emerging evidence highlights melatonin's involvement in cancer development and progression.
• Melatonin exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors and cytosolic proteins, initiating cellular signaling cascades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, functions, and receptor interactions of melatonin.
• To discuss molecular and epidemiological evidence supporting melatonin's anticancer properties.
• To explore the potential interplay between melatonin signaling and the Hippo pathway in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing existing research on melatonin and cancer.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin's effects on cancer cells.
• Examination of epidemiological data linking melatonin to cancer incidence and progression.

Main Results:

• Melatonin exhibits multifaceted anticancer effects, including tumor suppression and modulation of signaling pathways.
• Evidence suggests a complex relationship between melatonin signaling and cancer insurgence.
• Potential cross-talk between melatonin and Hippo signaling pathways identified.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin possesses significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
• Further research into melatonin's mechanisms and its interaction with pathways like Hippo is warranted.
• Targeting melatonin signaling may offer novel strategies for cancer therapy.