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Endoplasmic reticulum stress as a target for retinoids in cancer treatment
Anna Walczak-Szeffer1, Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-Ciesielska1
1Department of Cell Cultures and Genomic Analysis, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
Retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have various regulatory activities including controlling cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death. Furthermore, they have been used to treat specific cancers with satisfying results. Nevertheless, retinoids have yet to be converted into effective systemic therapies for the majority of tumor types. Regulation of unfolded protein response signaling, and persistent activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress) are promising treatment methods for cancer. The present article reviews the current understanding of how vitamin A and its derivatives may aid to cause ER-stress-activated apoptosis, as well as therapeutic options for exploiting ER-stress for achieving beneficial goal. The therapeutic use of some retinoids discussed in this article was related to decreased disease recurrence and improved therapeutic outcomes via ER-stress activation and promotion, indicating that retinoids may play an important role in cancer treatment and prevention. More research is needed to expand the use of vitamin A derivatives in cancer therapy, either alone or in combination with unfolded protein response inducers.
Insights
Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) show promise in cancer therapy by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress), leading to cancer cell death. Further research is needed to explore their full potential in cancer treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, regulate cell functions and have shown efficacy in treating certain cancers.
- Current systemic retinoid therapies are not effective for most cancer types.
- Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress) and unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling are emerging cancer treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of how vitamin A derivatives induce ER-stress-activated apoptosis.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies for exploiting ER-stress in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the role of retinoids in cancer prevention and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on retinoids, ER-stress, and cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which retinoids induce ER-stress and apoptosis.
- Evaluation of therapeutic options involving retinoids and ER-stress inducers.
Main Results:
- Retinoids can induce ER-stress, leading to cancer cell apoptosis.
- Therapeutic use of retinoids is associated with reduced disease recurrence and improved outcomes via ER-stress activation.
- Vitamin A derivatives show potential as anticancer agents, alone or in combination therapies.
Conclusions:
- Retinoids play a significant role in cancer treatment and prevention by promoting ER-stress.
- Further research is essential to optimize the use of vitamin A derivatives in cancer therapy.
- Combining retinoids with UPR inducers may offer novel therapeutic avenues for cancer.
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