CTRP6 in Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6) is increasingly recognized for its significant role in cancer biology.
• CTRP6 influences oncogenic processes and links metabolic, inflammatory, and signaling pathways crucial for tumor progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of CTRP6's contributions to oncogenesis.
• To explore CTRP6's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
• To highlight CTRP6 as a potential therapeutic target in various cancers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence from multiple cancer models.
• Analysis of CTRP6's modulation of key cellular processes (angiogenesis, ferroptosis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, inflammation).
• Examination of CTRP6's mediation of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• CTRP6 generally promotes oncogenesis in cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
• Conflicting roles of CTRP6 (tumor-promoting vs. tumor-suppressive) are observed in gastric and head and neck cancers.
• CTRP6 influences angiogenesis, ferroptosis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and inflammation, primarily via PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

Conclusions:

• CTRP6 is a critical regulator in cancer, impacting tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance.
• CTRP6 shows promise as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
• Inhibition of CTRP6 in preclinical models demonstrates therapeutic potential by enhancing ferroptosis and suppressing tumor progression.