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Sialyltransferases and Neuraminidases: Potential Targets for Cancer Treatment
Sagorika Nag1, Abhimanyu Mandal1, Aryaman Joshi2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
Abstract:
Cancers are the leading cause of death, causing around 10 million deaths annually by 2020. The most common cancers are those affecting the breast, lungs, colon, and rectum. However, it has been noted that cancer metastasis is more lethal than just cancer incidence and accounts for more than 90% of cancer deaths. Thus, early detection and prevention of cancer metastasis have the capability to save millions of lives. Finding novel biomarkers and targets for screening, determination of prognosis, targeted therapies, etc., are ways of doing so. In this review, we propose various sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the most common cancers, along with a few rare ones, on the basis of existing experimental and in silico data. This compilation of available cancer studies aiming at sialyltransferases and neuraminidases will serve as a guide for scientists and researchers working on possible targets for various cancers and will also provide data about the existing drugs which inhibit the action of these enzymes.
Insights
Cancer metastasis causes over 90% of cancer deaths. This review highlights sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for common and rare cancers, aiding early detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer metastasis is a primary driver of mortality, responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths.
- Effective early detection and prevention strategies for metastasis are crucial for improving patient survival rates.
- Identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential for advancing cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for various cancers.
- To compile existing experimental and in silico data on these enzymes in cancer.
- To guide researchers in identifying and developing targeted cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies on sialyltransferases and neuraminidases in cancer.
- In silico analysis of enzyme roles in cancer progression.
- Compilation of data on existing drugs targeting these enzymes.
Main Results:
- Sialyltransferases and neuraminidases are implicated in the progression of common and rare cancers.
- These enzymes represent promising targets for novel anti-cancer therapies.
- Existing drugs targeting these enzymes offer a basis for further drug development.
Conclusions:
- Targeting sialyltransferases and neuraminidases holds significant potential for treating diverse cancers.
- This review provides a valuable resource for researchers developing targeted cancer therapies.
- Further investigation into these enzymes could lead to improved cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
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