Myoglobin: From physiological roles to potential implications in cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Myoglobin (MB) is a well-characterized globin protein essential for oxygen storage and transport.
• Recent research reveals novel functions for MB beyond its classical physiological roles.
• MB expression and regulation extend to non-muscle tissues, notably in various cancer types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established physiological functions of Myoglobin.
• To investigate the emerging roles of Myoglobin as a scavenger of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• To explore the regulatory networks and potential contribution of Myoglobin to metabolic reprogramming in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Myoglobin's established functions.
• Analysis of recent studies on Myoglobin's non-canonical roles.
• Examination of evidence linking Myoglobin to hypoxia and cancer metabolism.

Main Results:

• Myoglobin participates in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide.
• Myoglobin is expressed and regulated in diverse tissues, including cancerous ones.
• Hypoxia appears to directly regulate Myoglobin, suggesting a role in cancer metabolic rewiring.

Conclusions:

• Myoglobin possesses functions beyond oxygen transport, including antioxidant properties.
• Myoglobin's presence and regulation in cancer tissues highlight its potential oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles.
• Further research into Myoglobin's regulatory networks in cancer is warranted to understand its contribution to metabolic adaptation.