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Neurotrophins and their involvement in digestive cancers

Sabrina Blondy1, Niki Christou1,2, Valentin David1,3

  • 1Laboratoire EA3842 CAPTuR « Contrôle de l'Activation cellulaire, Progression Tumorale et Résistance thérapeutique″, Université de Limoges, Faculté de médecine, 2 Rue du docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France.

Cell Death & Disease
|February 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Neurotrophins and their receptors are implicated in digestive cancers. Targeting these pathways or using them as biomarkers may offer new therapeutic strategies for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Digestive system cancers (esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, colorectal) exhibit high global incidence and mortality.
  • Despite therapeutic advancements, challenges like late diagnosis, recurrence, and treatment resistance persist.
  • The underlying mechanisms for these challenges are complex and multifactorial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3) and their receptors (Trk A, B, C; p75NTR) in digestive cancers.
  • To elucidate the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions of these neurotrophin signaling pathways.
  • To explore potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications targeting neurotrophin signaling in digestive malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on neurotrophin signaling pathways in digestive cancers.
  • Analysis of the expression and function of neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3) and their receptors (Trk, p75NTR).
  • Examination of the association between neurotrophin signaling and clinical outcomes, including diagnosis, recurrence, and therapy resistance.

Main Results:

  • Neurotrophin receptor (Trk) signaling and their ligands are frequently implicated as oncogenic factors in digestive cancers.
  • The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) often functions as a downregulated tumor suppressor.
  • Dysregulation of neurotrophin pathways contributes to challenges in cancer management.

Conclusions:

  • Neurotrophin signaling pathways play a significant role in the development and progression of digestive cancers.
  • Targeting neurotrophin receptors or ligands presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
  • Neurotrophins and their receptors may serve as valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis in digestive cancers.

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