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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
08:14
A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
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PCSK9 and cancer: Rethinking the link
Khadijeh Mahboobnia1, Matteo Pirro2, Ettore Marini2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Summary
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) plays a role in cancer progression. While PCSK9 inhibitors are effective for high cholesterol, their impact on cancer therapy requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cholesterol metabolism is frequently altered in cancer cells.
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) regulates cholesterol homeostasis by targeting the LDL receptor (LDLR) for degradation.
- Emerging evidence suggests PCSK9 involvement in cancer incidence and progression, with potential implications for therapeutic targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PCSK9 in cancer pathophysiology.
- To evaluate the potential risks and benefits of PCSK9 inhibition in cancer therapy.
- To review existing literature on PCSK9's contribution to cancer-related pathways and its implications for long-term pharmacological inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature search from 1956 to 2020.
- Inclusion of original peer-reviewed publications.
- Review of studies focusing on PCSK9's role in cancer pathways.
Main Results:
- PCSK9 siRNA has demonstrated suppression of tumor cell proliferation and invasion in several studies.
- PCSK9 is implicated in various non-lipid pathways, including those relevant to cancer.
- Clinical trials show PCSK9 inhibitors effectively lower LDL-C and reduce cardiovascular events.
Conclusions:
- PCSK9 inhibition presents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for cancer and metastasis.
- Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in cancer treatment due to limited data.
- Understanding PCSK9's multifaceted roles is crucial for evaluating its therapeutic potential in oncology.
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