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Regulation of sialic acid metabolism in cancer

Filip Filipsky1, Heinz Läubli2

  • 1Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Switzerland.

Carbohydrate Research
|April 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Hypersialylation, an increased level of sialic acid on cancer cells, presents a therapeutic target. Targeting sialic acid ligands (sialoglycans) and their receptors (Siglecs) offers a promising avenue for novel cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Sialic acids are key terminal glycans on cell surfaces, regulating crucial biological processes like immune response, cell communication, and adhesion.
  • Elevated sialic acid levels, known as hypersialylation, are a common characteristic of many cancers.
  • The interaction between sialic acid ligands (sialoglycans) and their receptors (Siglecs) is implicated in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex mechanisms of sialic acid metabolism and its dysregulation in cancer.
  • To explore the intricate pathways of sialic acid synthesis and hypersialylation in various cancer subtypes.
  • To discuss the clinical implications and potential of targeting sialylation pathways for cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on sialic acid metabolism, hypersialylation, and Siglec interactions in cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of sialylation in malignant transformation and immune evasion.
  • Examination of current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting sialic acid pathways.

Main Results:

  • Hypersialylation is a significant hallmark of cancer, influencing tumor microenvironment and immune surveillance.
  • Dysregulation of sialic acid synthesis and metabolism contributes to cancer development and progression.
  • Siglec-sialoglycan interactions represent a critical axis for immune modulation in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the complexity of sialic acid metabolism in cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Targeting hypersialylation and Siglec pathways offers a promising strategy for enhancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Further research into sialic acid biology can unlock novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CancerHypersialylationImmunotherapySialic acidSiglecs

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