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Extracellular NME proteins: a player or a bystander?
Patrizia Romani1, Marilena Ignesti1, Giuseppe Gargiulo1
1Dipartimento di Farmacia e biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italia.
Summary
Extracellular Nm23/NME proteins, initially identified as metastasis suppressors, show complex roles. Emerging evidence suggests they can promote stem cell pluripotency and neuroprotection, but also oncogenesis in some cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Nm23/NME gene family, particularly NME1, was initially recognized as a metastasis suppressor.
- NME1/2 expression inversely correlates with prognosis in various tumor types.
- Extracellular NME proteins have been observed in both normal and cancerous conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of extracellular NME proteins.
- To explore the dual roles of extracellular NME proteins in physiological and pathological contexts.
- To highlight the need for further investigation into NME protein secretion and function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Nm23/NME gene family and extracellular proteins.
- Analysis of data from normal and tumoral conditions.
- Inclusion of evidence from Drosophila and cancer cell line models.
Main Results:
- Extracellular NME proteins may promote stem cell pluripotency and central nervous system development.
- A neuroprotective function for extracellular NME has been suggested.
- Conversely, extracellular NME proteins can exhibit tumor-promoting functions in certain cancer cohorts.
- Dynamin involvement in regulating intra- and extracellular NME levels is indicated.
Conclusions:
- The function of extracellular NME proteins is complex and context-dependent, with both beneficial and detrimental roles.
- The secretion mechanism of NME proteins remains largely unknown.
- Understanding extracellular NME function is crucial for deciphering its role in carcinogenesis.