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Aberrant sialylation in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutics
Ran Kong1, Cong Wang1, Yu Zhang1
1Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China.
Abstract:
Sialylation, a dynamic post-translational modification catalyzed by sialyltransferases and counterbalanced by neuraminidases, entails the attachment of sialic acids to the terminal residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids. This modification profoundly influences diverse biological processes, including early embryogenesis, neurodevelopment, maintenance of stem cell pluripotency, and oncogenic transformation. In cancer, aberrant sialylation manifests as altered linkage patterns and dysregulated expression of sialylated glycans, which directly drive malignant behaviors such as uncontrolled proliferation, enhanced adhesion and invasion, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. Deciphering the underlying molecular mechanisms is therefore crucial for advancing our understanding of tumor biology. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in the study of sialylation in cancer, with a focus on the biological functions of distinct sialyltransferases and neuraminidases. We further discuss the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of targeting sialylation, highlighting its emerging potential as a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
Insights
Sialylation, the addition of sialic acids to proteins and lipids, is crucial in cancer. Targeting sialylation offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Glycoscience
- Cancer Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sialylation is a key post-translational modification influencing biological processes.
- Aberrant sialylation in cancer drives malignant behaviors like proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding sialylation in cancer.
- To focus on the roles of sialyltransferases and neuraminidases in tumor biology.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting sialylation in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current literature on sialylation in cancer.
- Focus on the functions of specific sialyltransferases and neuraminidases.
- Analysis of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated sialylation, including altered glycan structures and enzyme expression, is a hallmark of cancer.
- Specific sialyltransferases and neuraminidases play critical roles in promoting cancer progression.
- Targeting sialylation pathways presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aberrant sialylation is vital for cancer research.
- Sialylation represents a significant target for novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Further research into targeting sialylation holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
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