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Unpacking the Tumor Protein D52-like Family: Roles in Intracellular Trafficking and Cancer Progression.
Emma L Dorward1, Michael Ortiz1, Claire M Weekley2
1Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
Cells
|February 12, 2026
Summary
The Tumor Protein D52 (TPD52)-like family regulates intracellular trafficking in cancer cells. Understanding their roles in cancer progression may reveal new therapeutic targets for disrupting oncogenic processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Dysregulated intracellular trafficking is linked to cancer development.
- Cancer cells hijack trafficking pathways for progression.
- Proteins regulating these pathways are key to understanding cancer biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the Tumor Protein D52 (TPD52)-like family in cancer.
- To detail the known cellular functions of TPD52-like proteins.
- To highlight their potential as therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TPD52-like family in cancer.
- Analysis of cellular functions including intracellular trafficking, lipid biogenesis, proliferation, and cell cycle regulation.
- Examination of overexpression data and tumorigenic roles.
Main Results:
- The TPD52-like family (TPD52, TPD53, TPD54, TPD55) plays roles in intracellular trafficking in cancer.
- Overexpression of TPD52 and TPD54 is implicated in cell migration, invasion, and proliferation.
- Evidence suggests isoform-specific and tissue-specific functions within the family.
Conclusions:
- The TPD52-like family is crucial for cancer cell intracellular trafficking and progression.
- Targeting these proteins offers potential for novel cancer therapies.
- Further understanding of their mechanisms could disrupt oncogenic processes.
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