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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas
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Olfactomedin 4 in cancer development and progression

Wenli Liu1, Griffin P Rodgers1

  • 1Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|August 20, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) plays key roles in cell functions and diseases, including cancer. Inhibiting OLFM4 may benefit certain cancers, and it shows potential as an early diagnostic biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is an endogenous protein found in human tissues.
  • It participates in cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion.
  • OLFM4 is implicated in inflammation, infectious diseases, and various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the multifaceted roles of OLFM4 in human health and disease.
  • To explore OLFM4's context-dependent functions in cancer development and progression.
  • To evaluate OLFM4's potential as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of OLFM4 expression patterns in normal and cancerous tissues.
  • Investigation of OLFM4's molecular mechanisms in cellular functions.
  • Review of existing literature on OLFM4's involvement in disease pathways.

Main Results:

  • OLFM4 exhibits context-dependent tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting effects in different cancers.
  • Aberrant OLFM4 expression is observed in multiple human cancers via diverse mechanisms.
  • OLFM4's role varies based on tissue and cellular environment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting OLFM4 expression could offer therapeutic benefits in cancers where it promotes tumor growth.
  • OLFM4 demonstrates potential as a biomarker for early detection of precancerous conditions.
  • Understanding OLFM4's dual role is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
Keywords:
CCNB1IP1CancerGRIM-19NF-κBOLFM4Wnt

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