LCN2: Potential Targets for Cancer via Ferroptosis-Related Pathways

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was initially identified as a lipid carrier protein, and recent studies have revealed it acts as a multifunctional regulator of cancer progression that is closely associated with ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, characterized by alterations in intracellular iron content and lipid peroxidation levels, and disruption of antioxidant defense systems. Given the close connection between ferroptosis and multiple diseases, particularly cancer, investigation into the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis has become a key research direction in recent years. Recently, a growing body of research has demonstrated that LCN2 plays important roles in ferroptosis regulation and exhibits context-dependent effects across different malignant tumors, while the molecular basis behind this phenomenon remains not fully understood. Given these findings, LCN2 is considered a promising therapeutic target for tumor progression. Accordingly, this review summarize how LCN2 interacts with molecules in ferroptosis-related pathways, its diverse roles within the same cancer, and its regulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review discusses the current clinical application of LCN2 as a biomarker and therapeutic target, Thus, this review aims to elucidate the role of LCN2 in cancer progression and its immense potential as a therapeutic target. It is hoped that these research findings will be translated into clinical cancer treatment strategies.