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Advances in SEMA3F regulation of clinically high-incidence cancers
Chaofeng Wang1,2, Dezhi Song1,2, Qian Huang1
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
Abstract:
Cancer has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in recent years. Its high prevalence has had a severe impact on society. Researchers have achieved fruitful results in the causative factors, pathogenesis, treatment strategies, and cancer prevention. Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F), a member of the signaling family, was initially reported in the literature to inhibit the growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells in lung cancer. Later studies showed it has cancer-inhibiting effects in malignant tumors such as breast, colorectal, ovarian, oral squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and head and neck squamous carcinoma. In contrast, recent studies have reported that SEMA3F is expressed more in hepatocellular carcinoma than in normal tissue and promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. We chose lung, breast, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas with high clinical prevalence to review the roles and molecular mechanisms of SEMA3F in these four carcinomas. We concluded with an outlook on clinical interventions for patients targeting SEMA3F.
Insights
Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F) shows dual roles in cancer, inhibiting some tumors but promoting hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding SEMA3F's mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, driving research into its complex mechanisms.
- Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F), a secreted protein, has emerged as a key player with diverse roles in various cancers.
- Initial findings suggested SEMA3F as a tumor suppressor, but recent evidence indicates context-dependent functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the multifaceted roles of Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F) in major cancer types.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SEMA3F's contrasting effects in different carcinomas.
- To explore the potential of SEMA3F as a therapeutic target for cancer intervention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F) in lung, breast, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas.
- Analysis of molecular pathways and signaling networks influenced by SEMA3F.
- Synthesis of existing data to identify common and distinct mechanisms across cancer types.
Main Results:
- SEMA3F exhibits tumor-suppressive properties in lung, breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers, inhibiting growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Conversely, SEMA3F expression is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it promotes tumor metastasis.
- The dual role of SEMA3F is attributed to context-specific interactions with different cellular receptors and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F) presents a complex profile in cancer, acting as a suppressor in some and a promoter in others.
- Targeting SEMA3F may offer novel therapeutic strategies, but requires careful consideration of the specific cancer type.
- Further research into SEMA3F's precise molecular mechanisms is essential for effective clinical translation.
