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STARD3: A Prospective Target for Cancer Therapy
Kanwal Asif1,2, Lorenzo Memeo3, Stefano Palazzolo2
1Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, PhD School in Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172 Venice, Italy.
Cancers
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Steroidogenic acute regulatory related lipid transfer (START) protein domain 3 (STARD3) is crucial for cholesterol transport in cancer cells. Targeting STARD3 offers a promising new avenue for developing effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with current treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy causing significant side effects.
- Targeted therapies are emerging as crucial alternatives, focusing on essential cancer pathways.
- The cholesterol metabolic pathway is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest discoveries on Steroidogenic acute regulatory related lipid transfer (START) protein domain 3 (STARD3) in cancer.
- To explore STARD3's structural, biochemical characteristics, and regulatory mechanisms.
- To discuss STARD3's potential as a molecular target for novel cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on STARD3's role in cancer.
- Analysis of STARD3's structural and biochemical properties.
- Investigation of STARD3's involvement in cholesterol transport within cancer cells.
Main Results:
- STARD3, a member of the START protein family, is implicated in non-vesicular cholesterol transport.
- Altered STARD3 expression is linked to various diseases, including cancers.
- STARD3 plays a key role in cholesterol movement essential for cancer cell proliferation and membrane integrity.
Conclusions:
- STARD3 is a significant factor in cancer cell cholesterol metabolism.
- Targeting STARD3 presents a potential strategy for developing new cancer treatments.
- Identifying STARD3 inhibitors is of high interest for blocking its activity in cancer therapy.
Keywords:
STARD3cancercholesterolinhibitorssteroidogenic acute regulatory transfer proteinstargeted drugsMore Related Videos
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