Spinster homolog 2 in cancers, its functions and mechanisms

Cell Signal. 2021 Jan:77:109821. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109821. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

Spinster homolog 2 (SPNS2) is a multi-transmembrane transporter, widely located in the cell membrane and organelle membranes. It transports sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) into the extracellular space and the circulatory system, thus alters the concentration and the distribution of S1P, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PRs) and S1P related enzymes, meaning that it exerts its functions via S1P signaling pathways. Studies also show that ectopic SPNS2 mediates parts of the physiological process of the cells. As of now, SPNS2 has been reported to participate in physiological processes such as angiogenesis, embryonic development, immune response and metabolisms. It is also associated with the transformation from inflammation to cancer as well as the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the functions and the mechanisms of SPNS2 in the pathogenesis of cancer to provide new insights for the diagnosis and the treatments of cancer.

Keywords: Cancer; Carcinogenesis; Migration; Proliferation; SPNS2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anion Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Anion Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Sphingosine / metabolism
  • Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptors / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Anion Transport Proteins
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptors
  • Spns2 protein, human
  • sphingosine 1-phosphate
  • Sphingosine