Lactoferrin as a Human Genome “Guardian”—An Overall Point of View

Abstract

Structural abnormalities causing DNA modifications of the ethene and propanoadducts can lead to mutations and permanent damage to human genetic material. Such changes may cause premature aging and cell degeneration and death as well as severe impairment of tissue and organ function. This may lead to the development of various diseases, including cancer. In response to a damage, cells have developed defense mechanisms aimed at preventing disease and repairing damaged genetic material or diverting it into apoptosis. All of the mechanisms described above are part of the repertoire of action of Lactoferrin—an endogenous protein that contains iron in its structure, which gives it numerous antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anticancer properties. The aim of the article is to synthetically present the new and innovative role of lactoferrin in the protection of human genetic material against internal and external damage, described by the modulation mechanisms of the cell cycle at all its levels and the mechanisms of its repair.

Lactoferrin: A glycoprotein that plays an active role in human health

“…The immunomodulatory effect of Lf lies in its ability to modulate innate and adaptive immunity. One of the most interesting properties of Lf is that it can reach the nucleus as Lf possesses the ability to bind specifically to the LfR, which also gives Lf great potential to deliver macromolecules to the cytoplasm and nucleus, such as nucleic acids (siRNA, mRNA, shRNA, and DNA) ( 98 ). Lf is also used as a non-viral vector to deliver anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drugs for targeted therapeutic purposes.…”

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and mRNA Expression of LTF in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…LTF protein plays an important role as a transcription factor and triggers the expression of a variety of genes, including genes related to the innate immune response, lipid metabolism, the inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis induction, DNA repair and cell cycle regulation [ 9 ]. There are only a few studies investigating the link between LTF gene polymorphisms and cancer risk.…”

“…Studies have shown that LTF has anticancer properties and suppresses the metastatic potential of cancer. LTF arrests the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle due to an induced expression and/or activity of critical cell cycle regulatory proteins, including Akt, p21, p19, p27, Cdk2, cyclin E, Cdk4 and cyclin D1 [ 8 , 9 ]. In addition, it has been shown that bovine LTF exerts a cytotoxic effect on fibrosarcoma and melanoma as well as head and neck and colon cancer cells and inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells [ 9 ].…”

“…LTF arrests the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle due to an induced expression and/or activity of critical cell cycle regulatory proteins, including Akt, p21, p19, p27, Cdk2, cyclin E, Cdk4 and cyclin D1 [ 8 , 9 ]. In addition, it has been shown that bovine LTF exerts a cytotoxic effect on fibrosarcoma and melanoma as well as head and neck and colon cancer cells and inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells [ 9 ]. It is also known for its antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-oxidant properties as well as its immune regulatory activities [ 10 ].…”

Expression Profiles of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…LTF encode lactotransferrin. This glycoprotein arrested the G1 to S phase transition and it regulates the expression and function of proteins such as Akt, p21, p19, p27, Cdk2, cyclin E, Cdk4, and cyclin D1 [ 9 , 10 ].…”