Multifunctional Role of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in Cancer: Focus on Drug Resistance

Abstract

Cancer development results from the acquisition of numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer cells themselves, as well as continuous changes in their microenvironment. The plasticity of cancer cells allows them to continuously adapt to selective pressures brought forth by exogenous environmental stresses, the internal milieu of the tumor and cancer treatment itself. Resistance to treatment, either inherent or acquired after the commencement of treatment, is a major obstacle an oncologist confronts in an endeavor to efficiently manage the disease. Resistance to chemotherapy, chemoresistance, is an important hallmark of aggressive cancers, and driver oncogene-induced signaling pathways and molecular abnormalities create the platform for chemoresistance. The oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1/Metadherin (AEG-1/MTDH) is overexpressed in a diverse array of cancers, and its overexpression promotes all the hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. The present review provides a comprehensive description of the molecular mechanism by which AEG-1 promotes tumorigenesis, with a special emphasis on its ability to regulate chemoresistance.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 09, 2021
Source ID
10.3390/cancers13081792

Entities

People

  • Debashri Manna
  • Devanand Sarkar

Organizations

  • National Cancer Institute
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology