Implication of Ceramide Kinase/C1P in Cancer Development and Progression
Laura Camacho1,2, Alberto Ouro3, Ana Gomez-Larrauri1,4
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
Cancers
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Ceramide kinase (CERK) and its metabolite ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) are crucial in cancer progression. This review details how CERK/C1P regulates cancer cell growth, survival, invasion, and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways to support proliferation and survival.
- Sphingolipid metabolism, particularly ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) and ceramide kinase (CERK), plays a dual role in cancer.
- CERK and C1P are known regulators of cell growth and survival via stress-response pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of the role of CERK and C1P in cancer.
- To highlight the involvement of CERK/C1P in cancer cell growth, survival, and dissemination.
- To discuss the emerging role of CERK/C1P in cancer-related inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CERK and C1P in cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways regulated by CERK and C1P.
- Examination of the impact of CERK/C1P on cancer hallmarks.
Main Results:
- C1P promotes cancer cell survival and can feedback-regulate antitumoral sphingolipids.
- CERK/C1P signaling influences cancer cell invasion and migration across various cancer types.
- CERK and C1P are increasingly recognized for their role in modulating inflammatory responses in cancer.
Conclusions:
- CERK and C1P are significant regulators of key cancer processes, including growth, survival, and metastasis.
- The dysregulation of CERK/C1P metabolism contributes to cancer progression.
- Targeting the CERK/C1P pathway presents a potential therapeutic strategy in oncology.
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