Characterization of LIMA1 and its emerging roles and potential therapeutic prospects in cancers

Abstract

Actin is the most abundant and highly conserved cytoskeletal protein present in all eukaryotic cells. Remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is controlled by a variety of actin-binding proteins that are extensively involved in biological processes such as cell motility and maintenance of cell shape. LIM domain and actin-binding protein 1 (LIMA1), as an important actin cytoskeletal regulator, was initially thought to be a tumor suppressor frequently downregulated in epithelial tumors. Importantly, the deficiency of LIMA1 may be responsible for dysregulated cytoskeletal dynamics, altered cell motility and disrupted cell-cell adhesion, which promote tumor proliferation, invasion and migration. As research progresses, the roles of LIMA1 extend from cytoskeletal dynamics and cell motility to cell division, gene regulation, apical extrusion, angiogenesis, cellular metabolism and lipid metabolism. However, the expression of LIMA1 in malignant tumors and its mechanism of action have not yet been elucidated, and many problems and challenges remain to be addressed. Therefore, this review systematically describes the structure and biological functions of LIMA1 and explores its expression and regulatory mechanism in malignant tumors, and further discusses its clinical value and therapeutic prospects.

Integrative analysis reveals associations between oral microbiota dysbiosis and host genetic and epigenetic aberrations in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

“…It is important to note that the dysregulation of host gene expression might be influenced by the contributions from several pathogenic bacteria. LIMA1 (belonging to apical junctions) initially identified as a differentially expressed gene in oral epithelial cell carcinogenesis 34 , for example, were positively associated with C. morbi , F. nucleatum and P. stomatis , highlighting the complexity of the host-microbiota interactions in the OSCC tumor microenvironment. The effects of LIMA1 can extend from cell migration and cytoskeleton dynamics to cell cycle, gene regulation, angiogenesis, and lipid metabolism, providing new ideas for future exploration of cancer treatment strategies targeting this gene 35 .…”