The Golgi at the steering weal of a cancer cell

Most of the functions ascribed to the Golgi are strongly associated with cellular events central to cancer initiation and progression. However, we still do not fully understand if and how this enigmatic organelle steers the “weal” of a cancer cell and how it contributes to its fate. This article published by our group from CBIOS, focuses on Golgi molecular mechanisms and proteins that influence the phenotype of a cancer cell, and their potential as a cancer therapeutic target.

Authors and Affiliations:

Marta Martins, Ana Sofia Fernandes e Nuno Saraiva

CBIOS – Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract:

Growing evidence connects many of the Golgi known functions with cellular events related to cancer initiation and progression, including regulation of cell survival/death, proliferation, motility, metabolism and immune evasion. However, a broad and integrated understanding of the impact of the Golgi on cancer cell phenotype has not yet been achieved. Multiple cellular events involving the Golgi are associated with protein and lipid modification and trafficking. However, less explored aspects of this enigmatic organelle also contribute to cell fate decision-making by impacting signal transduction, redox and ion homeostasis. This article focuses on the molecular mechanisms and Golgi proteins underlying the impact of the Golgi on cancer cell phenotype. Special emphasis is given to emerging knowledge on redox and ion homeostasis. Current and potential cancer progression therapeutic strategies associated with this organelle will also be addressed.

Journal: The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135727252200019X