Kindlins : Adapter Proteins
A study explored the role of Kindlins—adapter proteins involved in cell signalling—in various cancers.
- These proteins are critical for transferring extracellular cues to biochemical signals within cells, influencing multiple signalling pathways essential for cellular homeostasis.
- Mutations in Kindlins, caused by carcinogens like nicotine and UV rays, can disrupt this balance and contribute to cancer progression.
- The researchers analysed data from 10,000 patients with 33 cancer types, revealing that Kindlin 1 regulates the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, while Kindlin 2 governs cancer-specific metabolic processes and HIPPO signalling, which promotes cell migration and invasion.
- The study emphasized the importance of Kindlins in tumour progression, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Their findings suggest that Kindlins are involved in essential mechano-sensitive pathways and their dysfunction is linked to adverse survival outcomes.
- The research provides evidence for Kindlins as potential targets for innovative cancer treatments, offering new strategies to address chemoresistance and tumour relapse.
