The Role of Semaphorins in Cancers With Special Focus on Urological Malignancies

Abstract

Introduction: Semaphorins are multi-function extracellular proteins with signaling properties involved in many processes in the human body. Surprisingly, in carcinogenesis, they may function as promoting or suppressing agents or both at the same time. Semaphorins in the field of urological cancers have been insufficiently studied so far, mainly in prostate cancer. They seem promising markers in urological cancers diagnostics and possibly treatment. This matter is the more worthy of interest since urological cancers are a great medical and economic burden. The review briefly discusses the current state of knowledge about semaphorins in cancers, mainly in urology. Conclusions: The most investigated cancer was prostate, whereas there is not enough information about semaphorins in bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Apparently, semaphorin 5B exerts a negative influence on renal cell carcinoma, and semaphorins 3A and 4D on bladder cancer. In case of prostate cancer, semaphorins 3B, 3C, 4F are considered to promote neoplasm development. On the other hand, semaphorins 3A and 3E are considered beneficial.