The RAGE/multiligand axis: a new actor in tumor biology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a transmembrane protein implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases.
• RAGE binds to various ligands, including damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) like HMGB1 and S100 proteins.
• Emerging evidence highlights RAGE's significant role in tumor biology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of the RAGE axis in cancer development and progression.
• To elucidate how RAGE activation contributes to tumor growth, immune evasion, and metastasis.
• To describe RAGE's influence on shaping the tumor microenvironment to support cancer progression.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing scientific literature on the RAGE axis in cancer.
• It analyzes studies investigating RAGE's involvement in tumor growth, immune responses, and metastasis.
• The review focuses on the functional consequences of RAGE activation in the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

• The RAGE axis is actively involved in key cancer mechanisms, including tumor growth and immune evasion.
• RAGE activation contributes to cancer cell dissemination and metastasis.
• RAGE plays a crucial role in creating a tumor-supportive microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The RAGE axis is a critical mediator of tumor growth, immune escape, and metastasis.
• Understanding RAGE signaling is essential for developing novel cancer therapies.
• Targeting the RAGE pathway holds therapeutic potential for various cancers.