Apolipoproteins: New players in cancers

Abstract

Apolipoproteins (APOs), the primary protein moiety of lipoproteins, are known for their crucial role in lipid traffic and metabolism. Despite extensive exploration of APOs in cardiovascular diseases, their roles in cancers did not attract enough attention. Recently, research focusing on the roles of APOs in cancers has flourished. Multiple studies demonstrate the interaction of APOs with classical pathways of tumorigenesis. Besides, the dysregulation of APOs may indicate cancer occurrence and progression, thus serving as potential biomarkers for cancer patients. Herein, we summarize the mechanisms of APOs involved in the development of various cancers, their applications as cancer biomarkers and their genetic polymorphism associated with cancer risk. Additionally, we also discuss the potential anti-cancer therapies by virtue of APOs. The comprehensive review of APOs in cancers may advance the understanding of the roles of APOs in cancers and their potential mechanisms. We hope that it will provide novel clues and new therapeutic strategies for cancers.

A large-scale targeted proteomics of serum and tissue shows the utility of classifying high grade and low grade meningioma tumors

“…TF has also shown as one of the promising markers due to better segregation with high accuracy in ML, and could further be correlated with altered iron metabolism and its link with cancer progression and metastasis [ 60 ]. Similarly, Apolipoprotein B (APOB), which is significantly altered in meningioma in our study, has been associated with cancers and brain tumors [ 61 , 62 ]. A study by Zhou et al illustrated the importance of apolipoprotein profiles and serum ferritin in maintaining homeostasis where the relationship was studied in the context of brain tumors and aggressiveness [ 63 ].…”

Identification of phenomic data in the pathogenesis of cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the UK biobank

“…Studies have suggested that apolipoproteins play critical roles in malignancies including GI cancers. Low apolipoprotein A1 level is linked to a high cancer risk, systemic inflammatory response and poorer survival in some cancers, including oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 55 – 58 . This is in accordance with our study findings.…”

“…Specifically, a non-oncogenetic mutation of apolipoprotein B is observed, which can result in apolipoprotein B inactivation and is associated with the overexpression of oncogenic regulators and the downregulation of tumour suppressors, resulting in poorer survival outcomes. It is hypothesised that mutations that render apolipoprotein B inactive are preferred in tumorigenesis in order to provide more energy for cancer metabolism 55 , 65 .…”

Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A ratio: a novel prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer

“…We found that elevated levels of ApoB/ApoA ratio associated with poor prognosis of PC. Recently, multiple studies have con rmed the dysregulation of Apolipoproteins (APOs) serving as potential biomarkers for cancer patients, indicating cancer occurrence and progression [32] . ApoB/ApoA ratio can re ect the interaction between individual atherogenic trend and anti atherosclerotic trend, and can more reveal the complex mechanism in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic plaque than traditional lipid indicators [33] .…”