Emerging Molecular Connections between NM23 Proteins, Telomeres and Telomere-Associated Factors: Implications in Cancer Metastasis and Ageing

Abstract

The metastasis suppressor function of NM23 proteins is widely understood. Multiple enzymatic activities of NM23 proteins have also been identified. However, relatively less known interesting aspects are being revealed from recent developments that corroborate the telomeric interactions of NM23 proteins. Telomeres are known to regulate essential physiological events such as metastasis, ageing, and cellular differentiation via inter-connected signalling pathways. Here, we review the literature on the association of NM23 proteins with telomeres or telomere-related factors, and discuss the potential implications of emerging telomeric functions of NM23 proteins. Further understanding of these aspects might be instrumental in better understanding the metastasis suppressor functions of NM23 proteins.

The Complex Functions of the NME Family—A Matter of Location and Molecular Activity

“…Puts et al (University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA [ 24 ]) describe the role of NME1 in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, in particular the choice of the repair pathway. Nuclear NMEs can also interact with telomers, and Sharma et al (CSIR, New Delhi, India [ 25 ]) review the role of telomer-localized NMEs for regulating telomer-related factors. There may be even further, rather unexpected molecular interactions of NME proteins with nucleotide-containing molecular structures.…”