Role of folate receptor genes in reproduction and related cancers.
The expression patterns of folate receptor (FR) isoforms, alpha and beta, in normal and malignant male and female reproductive tissues is described. The significance of the receptor in reproductive and developmental physiology is discussed. The potential value of the receptor expressed in malignant tissues including ovarian and endometrial cancers as a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target is reviewed. Finally, the various transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that govern the tissue/tumor-specificity of the receptor and its regulation by folate and steroid receptor ligands are described; the potential value of this knowledge in developing better methods for the early detection and treatment of certain cancers is discussed.
Elnakat
Hala
H
Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43614-5804, USA.
Ratnam
Manohar
M
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D058973:Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D005819:Genetic Markers; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D058973:Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored; D005819:Genetic Markers; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D008024:Ligands; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid; D005492:Folic Acid