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TMEFF2: A Transmembrane Proteoglycan with Multifaceted Actions in Cancer and Disease
Motasim Masood1, Stefan Grimm2, Mona El-Bahrawy3
1Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
Cancers
|December 29, 2020
Summary
Transmembrane protein with an EGF-like and two Follistatin-like domains 2 (TMEFF2) shows dual roles in cancer, acting as both an onco-suppressor and oncogene. This review clarifies its functions, expression, and localization, resolving conflicting literature.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Transmembrane protein with an EGF-like and two Follistatin-like domains 2 (TMEFF2) is a proteoglycan involved in diverse cellular functions.
- TMEFF2 exhibits methylation in various cancers, correlating with disease progression and patient outcomes.
- Its roles in neuroprotection (Alzheimer's disease) and cancer (oncogenic vs. onco-suppressive) are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze and contextualize existing TMEFF2 literature.
- To resolve discrepancies regarding TMEFF2's function, expression, and role in cancer.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of TMEFF2's multifaceted biological activities.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review and critical analysis.
- Synthesis of data from diverse studies on TMEFF2.
- Identification and resolution of conflicting findings in TMEFF2 research.
Main Results:
- TMEFF2 methylation is an early event in oncogenesis and a potential diagnostic marker.
- TMEFF2 downregulation impacts hormone production and serves as a prognostic indicator in prostate cancer.
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding TMEFF2's oncogenic versus onco-suppressive functions, particularly in prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- TMEFF2 possesses complex roles in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate TMEFF2's precise functions and therapeutic potential.
- This review consolidates current knowledge and addresses key controversies surrounding TMEFF2.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseHPP1TENB2TPEFcirculating DNAectodomain sheddingepigenetic silencingfollistatin domaininterferon signallingtomoregulinMore Related Videos
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