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Updated: Nov 14, 2025

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
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Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

Published on: March 26, 2018

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Caldesmon: Biochemical and Clinical Implications in Cancer

Yi-Bo Yao1, Chang-Fang Xiao1, Jin-Gen Lu2

  • 1Department of Anorectal Surgery, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|March 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Caldesmon, an actin-binding protein, is upregulated in cancers and suppresses invasion. This review explores caldesmon

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Caldesmon is an actin-binding protein regulating muscle contraction.
  • Caldesmon upregulation is observed in various solid cancers.
  • Caldesmon isoforms show potential as cancer biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on caldesmon's role in cancer.
  • To discuss caldesmon's gene transcription, isoform structure, expression, and phosphorylation.
  • To explore the clinical implications of caldesmon in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on caldesmon.
  • Analysis of gene transcription, isoform structure, expression, and phosphorylation.
  • Discussion of clinical relevance and therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • Caldesmon regulates podosome/invadopodium formation, suppressing cancer cell invasion.
  • Caldesmon isoforms are implicated as biomarkers for cancer detection.
  • Emerging evidence suggests caldesmon as a potential therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

  • Caldesmon plays a significant role in cancer progression and suppression.
  • Understanding caldesmon regulation is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Caldesmon represents a promising target for anti-cancer drug development.
Keywords:
actin binding proteincaldesmoncancerisoformsmooth muscle

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