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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis
08:55

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis

Published on: August 7, 2018

11.3K

Complex roles of necroptosis in cancer

Fang Zhu1,2,3,4, Wei Zhang1,2,3,4, Tao Yang1,2,3,4

  • 1Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.

Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B
|May 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Necroptosis, a regulated cell death, plays a dual role in cancer, potentially activating anti-tumor immunity or promoting immune suppression and metastasis. Targeting necroptosis offers new therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Necroptosis is a regulated form of necrosis involving RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL.
  • Necroptosis triggers the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), influencing immune responses.
  • The role of necroptosis in cancer is complex, impacting initiation, progression, and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of necroptosis in cancer.
  • To explore necroptosis's impact on anti-tumor immunity and immune suppression.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting necroptosis in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of necroptosis mechanisms and functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of necroptosis's involvement in cancer cell death, immune modulation, and metastasis.
  • Discussion of current and future therapeutic strategies targeting necroptosis.

Main Results:

  • Necroptosis of cancer cells can induce immunogenic cell death and activate anti-tumor immunity.
  • Necroptosis can also promote myeloid cell-induced adaptive immune suppression, contributing to oncogenesis.
  • Necroptosis of endothelial and tumor cells facilitates tumor metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • Necroptosis has a complex and context-dependent role in cancer biology.
  • Targeting necroptosis components presents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate and exploit necroptosis in oncology.
Keywords:
Cell death; Necroptosis; Cancer; Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL); Receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase

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