Chitinase-Like Proteins as Promising Markers in Cancer Patients

Abstract

In the present review we collected the main studies regarding the role of chitinase-like proteins (CLPs), belonging to the family of Glyco_18 domain-containing proteins, in different cancers. In humans, 3 chitinaselike proteins have been identified: YKL-40 (CHI3L1), YKL-39 (CHI3L2) and stabilin-1-interacting chitinase-like protein (SI-CLP). CLPs are produced by several types of cells and combine the properties of cytokines and growth factors. The high levels of CLPs were identified in the circulation of the patients with inflammatory diseases and various types of tumors. We highlighted the main known functions of CLPs in normal and pathological conditions, their contribution to metastasis development, angiogenesis, invasion and other processes in cancer, the correlation of the levels of CLPs with tumour progression. Our data also contribute to the understanding of question how CLP could be useful for cancer patient benefit.

Interaction of tumor-associated macrophages and cancer chemotherapy

“…47 Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are evolutionarily conserved lectins, and their elevated levels of gene expression or secretion are indicative of tumor progression, metastasis or response to therapy. 57 Thus, circulating levels of YKL-40 are increased in glioblastoma, breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, bladder, stomach, and endometrial cancers among others and predict a poor outcome or short DFS. [48][49][50][51]58 For example, YKL-40 may contribute to the proliferation of malignant cells, stimulate angiogenesis, and regulate extracellular tissue remodeling.…”

“…[48][49][50][51]58 For example, YKL-40 may contribute to the proliferation of malignant cells, stimulate angiogenesis, and regulate extracellular tissue remodeling. 57 YKL-39 is considered a biological marker for the progression of osteoarthritis. 59 Recently, we identified that an elevated gene expression of YKL-39, a new pro-angiogenic and monocyterecruiting factor in breast cancer tumors, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is predictive for the increased risk of distant metastasis and for a poor response to NAC.…”

Morphological heterogeneity of intratumoral macrophages in prostate tumors

“…However, it is worth noting that there are many intermediate variants [15], and the existing classifications are relevant in characterizing their role in cancer. Currently, biomarker systems are being developed to identify functional subpopulations of tumor-associated macrophages, which include both scavenger receptors and chitinase-like proteins [7,16,17]. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) resembling M2 phenotype are involved in stimulation of angiogenesis, invasion and extravasation of tumor cells [18].…”