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Using Microarrays to Interrogate Microenvironmental Impact on Cellular Phenotypes in Cancer

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Published on: May 21, 2019

Transmembrane proteins in cancer: insights from mechanism to clinical impact

Chih-Wen Shu^1,2,3, Chia-Hsuan Chang¹, Hsing-Hsiang Wang³

¹Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung80424, Taiwan.

|February 4, 2026

Abstract:

Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) constitute a large family of proteins that span biological membranes and are distributed across various cellular organelles, playing key roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Increasing evidence has revealed that dysregulation of TMEMs is closely associated with cancer development and progression. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the relationship between TMEMs and cancer is essential. Different TMEMs can function either as oncogenes or tumour suppressors, depending on the context. In this review, we explore the involvement of TMEMs in cancer, categorizing them into three groups based on their roles: oncogenic, tumour-suppressive or dual-function (both oncogenic and tumour-suppressive). We summarize the roles of various TMEMs in different cancer types, highlighting both well-characterized proteins and those identified through database screening, even if their exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Where possible, we include known signalling pathways associated with these TMEMs. This review highlights the critical roles of the TMEM protein family and encourages further research into their mechanisms, prognostic value and potential as targets for cancer therapy.

Insights

Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are crucial for cell function and are implicated in cancer. This review categorizes TMEMs as oncogenic, tumor-suppressive, or dual-function, highlighting their roles in cancer development and therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Oncology
Biochemistry

Background:

Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are vital for cellular homeostasis.
Dysregulation of TMEMs is increasingly linked to cancer development and progression.
Understanding TMEMs' roles in cancer is essential for therapeutic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted roles of TMEMs in cancer.
To categorize TMEMs based on their oncogenic, tumor-suppressive, or dual functions.
To summarize known TMEMs involved in various cancer types and their associated pathways.

Main Methods:

Literature review and database screening.
Categorization of TMEMs based on functional roles in cancer.
Summary of TMEMs' involvement across different cancer types.

Main Results:

TMEMs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
Identified TMEMs with oncogenic, tumor-suppressive, and dual functions.
Highlighted TMEMs, including those with unclear mechanisms and associated signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

TMEMs play critical roles in cancer pathogenesis.
Further research into TMEM mechanisms, prognostic value, and therapeutic targeting is warranted.
TMEMs represent promising targets for novel cancer therapies.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

cancer oncogenic transmembrane protein tumour-suppressive

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