Is caveolin-1 a viable therapeutic target to reduce cancer metastasis?
Caveolin-1 is the major structural protein in caveolae; small Omega-shaped invaginations within the plasma membrane. Caveolae are involved in signal transduction, wherein caveolin-1 acts as a scaffold to organise multiple molecular complexes regulating a variety of cellular events. Caveolin-1 has both tumour suppressor and oncogenic activities. However, recent evidence suggests a role for caveolin-1 in promoting cancer cell migration and metastasis with both loss and overexpression of caveolin-1 being described as a marker for progression in a variety of tumour types. Further studies are beginning to determine the molecular mechanisms by which caveolin-1 acts in promoting a metastatic phenotype. Targeting caveolin-1 expression may present a novel means of preventing metastasis. The purpose of this review is twofold: firstly, to survey the current knowledge of the contribution of caveolin-1 in promoting a metastasis, and secondly, to explore the viability of targeting caveolin-1 with novel therapeutics.
van Golen
Kenneth L
KL
The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0575-0548, USA. koglen@umich.edu
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051242:Caveolin 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D051242:Caveolin 1