Proteoglycan Endocan: A multifaceted therapeutic target in Cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2022 Jan;1877(1):188672. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188672. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Abstract

Endocan is known to be a circulating dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that regulates endothelial cell function. Dysregulation of endocan expression is observed not only in the tumor vasculature but also in cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has revealed that disordered endocan facilitates cancer progression via enhancing cancer cell proliferation, cell mobility, and cancer stemness properties. Recently, various interacting proteins and diverse subcellular localizations of endocan were identified in cancer cells. Herein, we summarize the application of endocan in cancer diagnoses and prognoses using serum and tumor specimens. We further discuss that the aberrant molecular characteristics of endocan may be due to the mislocalization of endocan in cancer cells. Defining the specific cellular roles of endocan will provide a promising diagnostic factor and therapeutic target for cancer patients.

Keywords: Cancer diagnosis; Cancer prognosis; Endocan; Mislocalization; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Proteoglycans* / genetics
  • Proteoglycans* / metabolism

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proteoglycans