Targeting nuclear transporters in cancer: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential

Tamara Stelma; Alicia Chi; Pauline J van der Watt; Annalisa Verrico; Patrizia Lavia; Virna D Leaner

doi:10.1002/iub.1484

Targeting nuclear transporters in cancer: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential

IUBMB Life. 2016 Apr;68(4):268-80. doi: 10.1002/iub.1484. Epub 2016 Mar 11.

Authors

Tamara Stelma¹, Alicia Chi¹, Pauline J van der Watt¹, Annalisa Verrico², Patrizia Lavia², Virna D Leaner¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, SAMRC/UCT Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
² Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, C/O University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.

PMID: 26970212
DOI: 10.1002/iub.1484

Abstract

The Karyopherin superfamily is a major class of soluble transport receptors consisting of both import and export proteins. The trafficking of proteins involved in transcription, cell signalling and cell cycle regulation among other functions across the nuclear membrane is essential for normal cellular functioning. However, in cancer cells, the altered expression or localization of nuclear transporters as well as the disruption of endogenous nuclear transport inhibitors are some ways in which the Karyopherin proteins are dysregulated. The value of nuclear transporters in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer is currently being elucidated with recent studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: CRM1/Exportin; Karyopherin/Importin; cancer; diagnostic/prognostic cancer biomarkers; nuclear transport; therapeutic target.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Acetyltransferases / genetics
Acetyltransferases / metabolism
Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / drug effects
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
Exportin 1 Protein
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
Humans
Karyopherins / genetics
Karyopherins / metabolism
Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Neoplasms / drug therapy*
Neoplasms / genetics
Neoplasms / metabolism
Prognosis
Protein Transport / drug effects
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism
Signal Transduction
Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*
Transcription Factors / genetics
Transcription Factors / metabolism
alpha Karyopherins / genetics
alpha Karyopherins / metabolism

Substances

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
Antineoplastic Agents
Biomarkers, Tumor
KPNA2 protein, human
Karyopherins
LDLRAP1 protein, human
Neoplasm Proteins
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
Small Molecule Libraries
Transcription Factors
alpha Karyopherins
Acetyltransferases
HTATIP2 protein, human