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Molecular chaperones in the etiology and therapy of cancer
1Department of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Molecular chaperones are ubiquitous, well-conserved proteins that account for 2-5 % of all cellular proteins in most cells. The present review summarizes our current knowledge about their involvement in the etiology and therapy of cancer with special emphasis on the expression of chaperones in malignant cells, their role in folding of (proto)oncogene products, cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation and apoptosis, development of metastasis, and their participation in the recognition of malignant cells. We also overview the importance of chaperones in hyperthermia, drug resistance, and recent approaches in chaperone-immunotherapy.
Insights
Molecular chaperones are vital proteins involved in cancer development and treatment. This review details their roles in malignant cells, from protein folding to metastasis and immunotherapy, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Molecular chaperones are essential, conserved proteins crucial for cellular protein homeostasis.
- They constitute a significant portion of cellular proteins, indicating their fundamental roles.
- Dysregulation of chaperones is increasingly linked to various diseases, particularly cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of molecular chaperones in cancer etiology.
- To explore the therapeutic implications of targeting molecular chaperones in cancer treatment.
- To summarize current knowledge on chaperone expression and function in malignant cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on molecular chaperones and cancer.
- Analysis of studies focusing on chaperone involvement in oncogene product folding, cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastasis.
- Overview of research on chaperones in hyperthermia, drug resistance, and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Chaperones are crucial for folding oncoprotein products and regulating cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Chaperone expression is altered in malignant cells, influencing metastasis and immune recognition.
- Chaperones play a role in resistance to cancer therapies, including hyperthermia and chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Molecular chaperones are key players in cancer development and progression.
- Targeting molecular chaperones presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, including novel chaperone-immunotherapy approaches.
- Further research into chaperone functions and therapeutic targeting is warranted for effective cancer intervention.