Dissecting the roles of prosaposin as an emerging therapeutic target for tumors and its underlying mechanisms
Lirong Yan, Zhenpeng Wen, Yi Yang, Aoran Liu, Fang Li, Yuzhe Zhang, Yuzhe Zhang, Chunjiao Yang, Yanke Li, Ye Zhang, Ye Zhang
Abstract
As a dual-function protein, prosaposin (PSAP) is a lysosome-associated protein that participates in a variety of cellular processes. In the lysosome, PSAP is processed to activate enzymes that degrade lipids. In addition, PSAP proteins located extracellularly are involved in cancer progression, such as proliferation and tumor death suppression signaling. Moreover, under different situations, PSAP exhibits distinct metastasis potentials in tumors. However, comprehensive insight into PSAP in cancer progression has been lacking. Here, we provide a framework of the role of PSAP in cancer and its clinical application in cancer patients, providing a novel perspective on the clinical translation of PSAP. • The generation and transport characteristics of prosaposin. • The role and mechanism of prosaposin in different cancer types. • Potential therapeutic effects and future research trends of prosaposin in cancer.