CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 Axis in Cancer: from Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cancer arises from genetic/epigenetic changes, posing a global health challenge.
• Cytokine and chemokine dysregulation is common in human cancers, impacting immune function and cancer progression.
• Chemokines, like CXCL12, and their receptors (CXCR4, CXCR7) play significant roles in cancer cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest research on the CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling axis in cancer.
• To highlight the axis's role in cancer hallmarks like proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
• To explore the potential of this axis as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on CXCL12, CXCR4, CXCR7, and cancer.
• Analysis of the involvement of the CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis in various cancer types.
• Synthesis of current understanding of the axis's contribution to tumor microenvironment and cancer progression.

Main Results:

• The CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis significantly impacts tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
• This signaling pathway is implicated in the development of diverse cancers, including leukemia, breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
• Abnormalities in this axis disrupt homeostasis and immune surveillance, contributing to cancer onset and progression.

Conclusions:

• The CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis is a key player in multiple stages of cancer development.
• Targeting the CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 pathway presents a promising strategy for developing novel cancer therapies.
• This axis holds potential as a diagnostic biomarker for various malignancies.