The Role of Galectins‑1, 3, 7, 8 and 9 As Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Markers in Ovarian Cancer (Review)

Overview

Journal Mol Med Rep

Specialty Molecular Biology

Date 2022 Mar 16

PMID 35293602

Authors

Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz

Zdzislawa Kondera-Anasz

Marta Smycz-Kubanska

Aleksandra Englisz

Aleksandra Janusz

Patrycja Krolewska-Daszczynska

Dominika Wendlocha

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing, particularly throughout the highly developed countries, while this cancer type remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The currently poorly recognized lectins called galectins have various roles in interactions occurring in the tumor microenvironment. Galectins are involved in tumor‑associated processes, including the promotion of growth, adhesion, angiogenesis and survival of tumor cells. Results of research studies performed so far point to a complex role of galectins‑1, 3, ‑7, ‑8 and ‑9 in carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer and elucidation of the mechanisms may contribute to novel forms of therapies targeting the proteins. In particular, it appears important to recognize the reasons for changes in expression of galectins. Galectins also appear to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool to evaluate tumor progression or the efficacy of therapies in patients with ovarian cancer, which requires further study.

Citing Articles

Anti-angiogenic therapy in ovarian cancer: Current understandings and prospects of precision medicine.

Mei C, Gong W, Wang X, Lv Y, Zhang Y, Wu S Front Pharmacol. 2023; 14:1147717.

PMID: 36959862 PMC: 10027942. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1147717.

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