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Review
. 2024 Apr 9;18(2):e12027.
doi: 10.1002/ccs3.12027. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Matricellular proteins: Potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer

Yunsheng Wang  1 , Xudong Liu  1 , Xingyue Wang  1 , Jiyong Lu  1 , Youxin Tian  1 , Qinjiang Liu  1 , Jincai Xue  1
Affiliations
Review

Matricellular proteins: Potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer

Yunsheng Wang et al. J Cell Commun Signal. .

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of diverse multidomain macromolecules, including collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin, that significantly contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. Matricellular proteins (MCPs), as a family of non-structural proteins, play a crucial role in regulating various ECM functions. They exert their biological effects by interacting with matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, cytokines, and proteases. These interactions govern essential cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration as well as multiple signal transduction pathways. Consequently, MCPs are pivotal in maintaining tissue homeostasis while orchestrating intricate molecular mechanisms within the ECM framework. The expression level of MCPs in adult steady-state tissues is significantly low; however, under pathological conditions such as inflammation and cancer, there is a substantial increase in their expression. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on elucidating the role and significance of MCPs in the development and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC). During HNC progression, there is a remarkable upregulation in MCP expression. Through their distinctive structure and function, they actively promote tumor growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and lymphatic metastasis of HNC cells. Moreover, by binding to integrins and modulating various signaling pathways, they effectively execute their biological functions. Furthermore, MCPs also hold potential as prognostic indicators. Although the star proteins of various MCPs have been extensively investigated, there remains a plethora of MCP family members that necessitate further scrutiny. This article comprehensively examines the functionalities of each MCP and highlights the research advancements in the context of HNC, with an aim to identify novel biomarkers for HNC and propose promising avenues for future investigations.

Keywords: biomarkers; extracellular matrix; head and neck cancer; matricellular proteins.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Classification of MCPs and human diseases involved. (A) Classification of MCPs. (B) Human diseases in which MCPs are involved. MCPs, matricellular proteins.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Mechanism of CCN protein family involved in HNC. (A) Mechanism of CTGF involvement in HNC. (B) Mechanism of WISP1 involvement in HNC. CCN, centralized coordination network; CTGF, connective tissue growth factor; HNC, head and neck cancer; WISP1, Wnt‐1 induced secreted protein‐1.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Mechanism of SPARC protein family involved in HNC. HNC, head and neck cancer; SPARC, secreted proteins acid and rich in cysteine family.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Mechanism of Periostin involved in HNC. HNC, head and neck cancer.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Mechanism of Osteopontin involved in HNC. HNC, head and neck cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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