RanBP1: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Cancer Stem Cells in Lung Cancer and Glioma
Yeon-Jee Kahm1,2, In-Gyu Kim1,2, Rae-Kwon Kim1,2
1Department of Radiation Biology, Environmental Safety Assessment Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be one of the factors that make cancer treatment difficult. Many researchers are thus conducting research to efficiently destroy CSCs. Therefore, we sought to suggest a new target that can efficiently suppress CSCs. In this study, we observed a high expression of Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1) in lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and glioma stem cells (GSCs). Upregulated RanBP1 expression is strongly associated with the expression of CSC marker proteins and CSC regulators. In addition, an elevated RanBP1 expression is strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. CSCs have the ability to resist radiation, and RanBP1 regulates this ability. RanBP1 also affects the metastasis-associated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon. EMT marker proteins and regulatory proteins are affected by RanBP1 expression, and cell motility was regulated according to RanBP1 expression. The cancer microenvironment influences cancer growth, metastasis, and cancer treatment. RanBP1 can modulate the cancer microenvironment by regulating the cytokine IL-18. Secreted IL-18 acts on cancer cells and promotes cancer malignancy. Our results reveal, for the first time, that RanBP1 is an important regulator in LCSCs and GSCs, suggesting that it holds potential for use as a potential therapeutic target.
Insights
Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1) is highly expressed in cancer stem cells, driving resistance to treatment and promoting metastasis. Targeting RanBP1 could offer a new strategy to suppress these difficult-to-treat cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) present a significant challenge in cancer therapy due to their resistance and self-renewal capabilities.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets to specifically eliminate CSCs is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1) as a potential therapeutic target in cancer stem cells.
- To explore the association between RanBP1 expression and key CSC characteristics, including radioresistance, metastasis, and the cancer microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Assessed RanBP1 expression levels in lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and glioma stem cells (GSCs).
- Correlated RanBP1 expression with CSC markers, regulators, patient prognosis, radioresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cytokine IL-18 modulation.
- Evaluated the impact of RanBP1 on cell motility and the cancer microenvironment.
Main Results:
- High RanBP1 expression was observed in LCSCs and GSCs, correlating with CSC markers and poor patient prognosis.
- RanBP1 was found to regulate CSC radioresistance, EMT, and cell motility.
- RanBP1 modulates the cancer microenvironment by regulating the pro-tumorigenic cytokine IL-18.
Conclusions:
- RanBP1 is a key regulator in LCSCs and GSCs, influencing critical cancer-promoting processes.
- RanBP1 represents a promising novel therapeutic target for overcoming CSC-mediated treatment resistance and metastasis.
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