Role of Gremlin-1 in Cancer

초록

Gremlin-1 (GREM1) has been defined as an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly during embryonic development and tissue differentiation. However, recent studies have shown that GREM1 has BMPs-dependent or -independent functions in diverse human diseases. GREM1 plays a key role in the process of organ fibrosis, including lungs, kidneys, and so on. The GREM1-induced fibrosis typically promotes the development of other diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, renal inflammation, and diabetic nephropathy. More recently, considerable evidence has been reported showing that GREM1 is involved in the promotion and/or progression of tumors in vitro and in vivo. It also performs an oncogenic role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Although GREM1 is known to function in a variety of diseases, here we focus on the role of GREM1 in cancer, and suggest GREM1 as a potential therapeutic target in certain types of cancer.

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