Metastasis Promoter S100A4 is a Potential Molecular Therapeutic Target

Abstract

S100A4, a member of the S100 family of proteins involved in calcium signalling, has come into the fore in recent years on account of its close relationship with tumour development and progression; therefore, S100A4 commends itself as a prime therapeutic target. The phenotypic effects of S100A4 are generated via diverse signalling pathways encompassing and incorporating the functions of cell cycle regulators, growth factor receptors, extracellular matrix components, and the inducers of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. By virtue of this, S100A4 signalling can be specifically targeted to down-regulate the phenotypic activities that contribute to the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer. Here, the discussion has focused on the signalling pathways that S100A4 uses, with a view to identifying the most effective targets to which drugs can be designed and specifically directed. Some approaches to the problem of inhibiting or deregulating the functions of S100A4, to control invasion and metastasis have been identified. S100A4 could provide a wide channel to control the growth, invasion and secondary spread of cancer and, thus, amply rationalise and validate it as an important therapeutic target.