LCN2: Versatile players in breast cancer

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Feb:171:116091. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116091. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a secreted glycoprotein that is produced by immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. It serves various functions such as transporting hydrophobic ligands across the cellular membrane, regulating immune responses, keeping iron balance, and fostering epithelial cell differentiation. LCN2 plays a crucial role in several physiological processes. LCN2 expression is upregulated in a variety of human diseases and cancers. High levels of LCN2 are specifically linked to breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, immune regulation, chemotherapy resistance, and prognosis. As a result, LCN2 has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target for BC. This article offered an in-depth review of the advancement of LCN2 in the context of BC occurrence and development.

Keywords: Breast cancer; LCN2; Oncogene.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute-Phase Proteins / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipocalin-2 / metabolism
  • Lipocalins / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipocalin-2
  • Acute-Phase Proteins
  • Lipocalins
  • LCN2 protein, human