Tetraspanins in digestive‑system cancers: Expression, function and therapeutic potential (Review)

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins crucial for cellular functions including migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis.
• Dysregulation of tetraspanin expression is implicated in various pathologies, particularly cancer.
• The tetraspanin family plays significant roles in the development and progression of digestive system cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of tetraspanin expression and function in digestive system cancers.
• To explore the dual role of tetraspanins as tumor promoters or suppressors in different cancer contexts.
• To emphasize the potential of tetraspanins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for digestive system malignancies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on tetraspanins in digestive system cancers.
• Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying tetraspanin involvement in cancer progression and metastasis.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on tetraspanin expression patterns and functional roles.

Main Results:

• Tetraspanins exhibit context-dependent roles, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in digestive system cancers.
• Specific tetraspanins are differentially expressed across various digestive system malignancies, including gastric, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and oral cancers.
• Molecular mechanisms involving tetraspanins in cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis have been elucidated.

Conclusions:

• Tetraspanins are critical regulators in digestive system cancers, influencing tumor growth and metastasis.
• Tetraspanins hold significant promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for digestive system malignancies.
• Further research into tetraspanin-targeted therapies is warranted to improve patient outcomes in digestive system cancers.