title: Pro-inflammatory and pathogenic properties of Annexin-A1: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
abstract: According to Aristotle, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" and yet, although a long time has passed still, we seem to struggle to accept this universal concept. Searching in the literature for the biological function of Annexin-A1, one would find a wealth of information on its homeostatic and protective anti-inflammatory effects. However, very little has been said on its emerging role in a wide variety of pathological conditions ranging from cancer to autoimmunity. In this commentary, we will focus our attention on this novel pro-inflammatory and pathogenic "dark side" of Annexin-A1. We will summarize our current understanding of the signaling pathways regulated by this protein and link it to clinical and experimental evidences. Finally we will discuss assets and limitations of Annexin-A1 therapeutic strategies. Most importantly, we hope that this commentary will provide scientific support to "controversial" findings one might encounter while studying this fascinating protein.
authors: William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. F.Dacquisto@qmul.ac.uk
authors: Fulvio
authors: F
authors: D'Acquisto
authors: Giuseppa
authors: G
authors: Piras
authors: Lorenza
authors: L
authors: Rattazzi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017305:Annexin A1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D017305:Annexin A1