Growth/differentiation factor-15: prostate cancer suppressor or promoter?
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Prostate Cancer And Prostatic Diseases |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/pcan.2012.6 |
| Field | Genetics and molecular biology |
| Keywords | GDF-15; prostate cancer; TGF-beta family |
| Attached files | |
| Description | Deregulation of expression and function of cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) family is often associated with various pathologies. For example, this cytokine family has been considered a promising target for cancer therapy. However, the detailed functions of several cytokines from the TGF-ß family that could play a role in cancer progression and therapy remain unclear. One of these molecules is growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a divergent member of the TGF-ß family. This stress-induced cytokine has been proposed to possess immunomodulatory functions, and its high expression is often associated with cancer progression, including prostate cancer. However, studies clearly demonstrating the mechanisms for signal transduction and functions in cell interaction, cancer progression, and therapy are still lacking. New GDF-15 roles have recently been identified for modulating osteoclast differentiation and for therapy for prostate cancer bone metastases. Moreover, GDF-15 is as an abundant cytokine in seminal plasma with immunosuppressive properties. We discuss studies that focus on the regulation of GDF-15 expression and its role in tissue homeostasis, repair, and the immune response with an emphasis on the role in prostate cancer development. |
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