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IGF2: A Role in Metastasis and Tumor Evasion from Immune Surveillance?

Antonino Belfiore1, Rosaria Valentina Rapicavoli1, Rosario Le Moli1

  • 1Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy.

Biomedicines
|January 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) drives cancer by increasing cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis. Targeting IGF2 is crucial for overcoming chemotherapy resistance and improving cancer prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is overexpressed in various childhood and adult cancers.
  • IGF2 overexpression correlates with chemotherapy resistance and poor patient prognosis.
  • The precise roles of IGF2 and its receptors in cancer are not fully understood compared to IGF1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the physiological and pathological roles of IGF2 in cancer.
  • To highlight IGF2's involvement in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and immune evasion.
  • To discuss the link between IGF2, insulin resistance, and cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent studies of IGF2 in malignancies.
  • Analysis of the roles of IGF2 receptors (e.g., IR-A, IGF1R) and downstream signaling.
  • Examination of IGF2's contribution to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response.

Main Results:

  • IGF2 dysregulation, including its receptors, drives cancer initiation and progression.
  • IGF2 links high energy intake and insulin resistance to cancer risk via proliferation and apoptosis suppression.
  • Emerging evidence shows IGF2 promotes cancer metastasis and immune evasion.

Conclusions:

  • IGF2 is a significant factor in primary tumor development and cancer spread.
  • IGF2 plays a critical role in therapeutic resistance and immune evasion.
  • Further research is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting IGF2 action.
Keywords:
immune evasioninsulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)isoform A of insulin receptor (IR-A)metastasisresistance to therapies

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