Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Clinical Impact of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Breast Cancer
Junko Tsuchida1, Masayuki Nagahashi1, Kazuaki Takabe2,3
1Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
Abstract:
Breast cancer metastasizes to lymph nodes or other organs, which determine the prognosis of patients. It is difficult to cure the breast cancer patients with distant metastasis due to resistance to drug therapies. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance is expected to provide new therapeutic targets. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic, bioactive lipid mediator that regulates many cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, survival, angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis, and immune responses. S1P is formed in cells by sphingosine kinases and released from them, which acts in an autocrine, paracrine, and/or endocrine manner. S1P in extracellular space, such as interstitial fluid, interacts with components in the tumor microenvironment, which may be important for metastasis. Importantly, recent translational research has demonstrated an association between S1P levels in breast cancer patients and clinical outcomes, highlighting the clinical importance of S1P in breast cancer. We suggest that S1P is one of the key molecules to overcome the resistance to the drug therapies, such as hormonal therapy, anti-HER2 therapy, or chemotherapy, all of which are crucial aspects of a breast cancer treatment.
Insights
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is crucial in breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Targeting S1P may offer new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes and overcome treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs significantly impacts patient prognosis.
- Drug resistance in advanced breast cancer presents a major clinical challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic targets.
- Understanding the mechanisms of metastasis and drug resistance is key to developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
- To highlight S1P as a potential therapeutic target for overcoming treatment resistance in breast cancer.
- To explore the clinical relevance of S1P levels in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on S1P function in cellular processes.
- Analysis of translational research linking S1P levels to breast cancer clinical outcomes.
- Discussion of S1P's interaction with the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid mediator regulating cell proliferation, migration, survival, and angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis.
- Extracellular S1P interacts with the tumor microenvironment, potentially facilitating metastasis.
- Elevated S1P levels in breast cancer patients correlate with clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a significant role in breast cancer progression and metastasis.
- S1P represents a promising molecular target for overcoming resistance to therapies like hormonal therapy, anti-HER2 therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Targeting S1P pathways could improve therapeutic efficacy and patient prognosis in breast cancer treatment.
