The dual and multifaceted role of relaxin-2 in cancer
1Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, DTD. TDC, 30A Klagon, Com. 19, Tema, Ghana. kwantwiboafo@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
The continuous increase in cancer-associated deaths despite the substantial improvement in diagnosis and treatment has sparked discussions on the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Although increasing evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of relaxin-2 in multiple cancers, their role is a double-edged sword with both protumor and antitumor having been reported in various malignant tumors. Considering this dual role, it appears the biological mechanism underpinning the action of relaxin-2 in cancer is not clear and further studies to elucidate their potential as a preventive factor for cancers are of prime importance. Herein, a summarized up-to-date report on the role of relaxin-2 in human cancer including detailed clinical and experimental evidence supporting their tumor-promoting and inhibitory functions in cancer development and progression has been elucidated. Also, signaling pathways and other factors orchestrating the activities of relaxin-2 in the tumor microenvironment has been discussed. Collectively, the evidence from this review has demonstrated the need for further evaluation of the role of relaxin-2 as a diagnostic and or prognostic biomarker for cancer.
Insights
Relaxin-2 plays a complex, dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor promoter and inhibitor. Further research is crucial to understand its mechanisms and potential as a cancer biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer mortality remains high despite advances in diagnosis and treatment.
- Relaxin-2 has emerged as a key player in various cancers, exhibiting contradictory effects.
- The precise biological mechanisms of relaxin-2 in cancer are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of relaxin-2's role in human cancers.
- To elucidate the dual tumor-promoting and inhibitory functions of relaxin-2.
- To discuss signaling pathways and factors influencing relaxin-2 in the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and experimental evidence.
- Analysis of studies on relaxin-2's impact on cancer development and progression.
- Exploration of molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved.
Main Results:
- Relaxin-2 demonstrates both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic activities in different cancer types.
- Evidence suggests a complex interplay between relaxin-2 and the tumor microenvironment.
- Specific signaling pathways orchestrating relaxin-2's functions have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Relaxin-2's dual role necessitates further investigation into its biological functions in cancer.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for exploring relaxin-2's potential as a cancer biomarker.
- Additional research is warranted to evaluate relaxin-2 for diagnostic and prognostic applications in oncology.
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