FSTL1: A double-edged sword in cancer development

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Flolistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein implicated in various physiological functions and diseases.
• Recent research highlights FSTL1's complex involvement in cancer progression.
• FSTL1's role in cancer is context-dependent, varying with cancer type and tumor microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, distribution, and clinical significance of FSTL1 in diverse cancers.
• To elucidate the functional roles of FSTL1 in tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, immune response, stemness, apoptosis, and chemoresistance.
• To discuss the modulation of cancer-related signaling pathways by FSTL1 and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on FSTL1 in cancer.
• Analysis of FSTL1 expression patterns and clinical significance across various cancer types.
• Examination of FSTL1's mechanistic roles in cancer cell biology and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• FSTL1 displays contradictory functions in cancer, acting as either a tumor enhancer or inhibitor.
• FSTL1 influences key cancer processes including proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, stemness, apoptosis, and drug resistance.
• FSTL1 expression is tightly regulated in cancer and impacts signaling pathways like TGF-β/BMP/Smad, AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt-β-catenin.

Conclusions:

• FSTL1 possesses dual characteristics in cancer, necessitating a nuanced understanding of its mechanisms.
• Targeting FSTL1, potentially with monoclonal antibodies, represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
• Further research into FSTL1's complex roles can inform novel cancer treatment approaches.