title: [Prothymosin alpha and tumor: current status and perspective].
abstract: Prothymosin alpha (ProTalpha) is a small molecule of natively unstructured acidic protein, and widely exists in mammalian tissues. Nevertheless, its biological functions are still elusive. Recent studies indicate that ProTalpha is involved in carcinogenesis and cancer development. We reviewed current reports on the potential roles of ProTalpha in cell proliferation, carcinogenesis, apoptosis, and immunomodulatory, discussed the regulation of ProTalpha gene expression and possible molecular mechanisms underlying its internal and external actions in cells, and explored its significance in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, PR China.
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Ji-Yong
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Pan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013947:Thymosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011498:Protein Precursors; C040782:prothymosin alpha; D013947:Thymosin