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New Insights into Cancer Targeted Therapy: Nodal and Cripto-1 as Attractive Candidates

Paola Arboretto1, Michele Cillo1, Antonio Leonardi1

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cripto-1 (CR-1) and Nodal, embryonic proteins re-expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs), drive tumor progression. Targeting CR-1 and Nodal offers a promising therapeutic strategy for eradicating tumors by eliminating CSCs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Signaling

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is crucial for embryonic development but implicated in cancer progression and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance.
  • Cripto-1 (CR-1) and Nodal, embryonic proteins within the TGF-β pathway, are re-expressed in tumor cells, particularly CSCs, and associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of CR-1 and Nodal in cancer stem cell populations.
  • To review current therapeutic strategies targeting CR-1 and Nodal for cancer stem cell eradication.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the expression and function of CR-1 and Nodal in cancer stem cells.
  • Analysis of therapeutic approaches utilizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other molecular tools against CR-1 and Nodal.

Main Results:

  • CR-1 and Nodal expression is elevated in CSCs and correlates with increased tumor aggressiveness and poorer patient outcomes.
  • These proteins represent viable targets for novel cancer therapies due to their selective expression on cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • CR-1 and Nodal play significant roles in sustaining cancer stem cell populations and tumor progression.
  • Targeting CR-1 and Nodal, particularly through antibody-based therapies, holds potential for effective cancer treatment by eliminating CSCs.
Keywords:
Cripto-1Nodalbiomarkerdrug resistanceproliferationtherapeutic targets

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