Role of Pirin, an Oxidative Stress Sensor Protein, in Epithelial Carcinogenesis
Francisco Pérez-Domínguez, Diego Carrillo-Beltrán, Rancés Blanco, Juan P. Muñoz, Grettell León-Cruz, Alejandro H. Corvalán, Ulises Urzúa, Gloria M. Calaf, Francisco Aguayo
Abstract
Pirin is an oxidative stress (OS) sensor belonging to the functionally diverse cupin superfamily of proteins. Pirin is a suggested quercetinase and transcriptional activator of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. Its biological role in cancer development remains a novel area of study. This review presents accumulating evidence on the contribution of Pirin in epithelial cancers, involved signaling pathways, and as a suggested therapeutic target. Finally, we propose a model in which Pirin is upregulated by physical, chemical or biological factors involved in OS and cancer development.