CDKN1A/p21 in Breast Cancer: Part of the Problem, or Part of the Solution?
Int J Mol Sci
; 24(24)2023 Dec 14.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38139316
ABSTRACT
Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (Cip1/Waf1/CDKN1A/p21) is a well-established protein, primarily recognised for its pivotal role in the cell cycle, where it induces cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Over the years, extensive research has shed light on various additional mechanisms involving CDKN1A/p21, implicating it in processes such as apoptosis, DNA damage response (DDR), and the regulation of stem cell fate. Interestingly, p21 can function either as an oncogene or as a tumour suppressor in these contexts. Complicating matters further, the expression of CDKN1A/p21 is elevated in certain tumour types while downregulated in others. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted functions of CDKN1A/p21, present clinical data pertaining to cancer patients, and delve into potential strategies for targeting CDKN1A/p21 as a therapeutic approach to cancer. Manipulating CDKN1A/p21 shows great promise for therapy given its involvement in multiple cancer hallmarks, such as sustained cell proliferation, the renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration, and resistance to chemotherapy. Given the dual role of CDKN1A/p21 in these processes, a more in-depth understanding of its specific mechanisms of action and its regulatory network is imperative to establishing successful therapeutic interventions.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Breast Neoplasms
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: