The Signaling Duo CXCL12 and CXCR4: Chemokine Fuel for Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis
Karolina Zielińska, Vladimir L. Katanaev
Abstract
The CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway has emerged in the recent years as a key player in breast cancer tumorigenesis. This pathway controls many aspects of breast cancer development including cancer cell proliferation, motility and metastasis to all target organs. Moreover, the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade affects both immune and stromal cells, creating tumor-supporting microenvironment. In this review, we examine state-of-the-art knowledge about detrimental roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, discuss its therapeutic potential and suggest further research directions beneficial both for basic research and personalized medicine in breast cancer.
Topics & Concepts
CXCR4CarcinogenesisBreast cancerStromal cellMetastasisChemokineCancer researchTumor microenvironmentSignal transductionCancerImmune systemMedicineBiologyBioinformaticsImmunologyInternal medicineCell biologyChemokine receptors and signalingImmunotherapy and Immune ResponsesCytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions