Role of the CTRP family in tumor development and progression (Review)

Abstract

C1q tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs), which are members of the adipokine superfamily, have gained significant interest in the recent years. CTRPs are homologs of adiponectin with numerous functions and are closely associated with metabolic diseases, such as abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated that CTRPs are highly involved in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes, including glycolipid metabolism, protein kinase pathways, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and inflammation. CTRPs also play important roles in the development and progression of numerous types of tumor, including liver, colon and lung cancers. This observation can be attributed to the fact that diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance are independent risk factors for tumorigenesis. Numerous CTRPs, including CTRP3, CTRP4, CTRP6 and CTRP8, have been reported to be associated with tumor progression by activating multiple signal pathways. CTRPs could therefore be considered as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in some cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of CTRPs in tumorigenesis remain unknown. The present review aimed to determine the roles and underlying mechanisms of CTRPs in tumorigenesis, which may help the development of novel cancer treatments in the future.

A tumor microenvironment gene set–Based prognostic signature for non-small-cell lung cancer

“…The C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) family is involved in the body’s metabolism and immunity ( Schäffler and Buechler, 2012 ). CTRPs play important roles in the development and progression of NSCLC by promoting metabolic disturbances, is one of independent risk factors for oncogenesis ( Kong et al, 2021 ). PLEK2 (pleckstrin-2) participates in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress of lung cancer cells, resulting in tumor invasion and metastasis ( Wu et al, 2020 ).…”

Advances in the functions of CTRP6 in the development and progression of the malignancy

“…Increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated that CTRP family members, especially CTRP6, play an integral role in numerous biological processes including inflammation ( Lahav et al, 2021 ), cell proliferation ( Dong et al, 2018 ), apoptosis ( Qu et al, 2021 ), fibrosis ( Lei et al, 2015 ), sclerosis ( Zhang et al, 2019 ), and carcinogenesis ( Kong et al, 2021 ). CTRP6 is reported to be involved in various insulin resistance diseases ( Lei et al, 2017 ), like type 2 diabetes ( Wang et al, 2018 ), obesity ( Liao et al, 2021 ), and diabetic nephropathy ( Xu et al, 2020 ).…”

“…The role of CTRP6 in various tumor types has been summarized ( Table 1 ) . CTRP6 is reported to function as a tumor-promoting regulator in several malignancies by promoting tumor cell survival and anti-apoptosis ( Kong et al, 2021 ). It has also been demonstrated to enhance the migration and invasion of cancer cells.…”

“…In recent years, the role of CTRP members in carcinogenesis has attracted more attention and interest from researchers ( Li et al, 2011 ; Li et al, 2017 ; Thanasupawat et al, 2018 ). Among these, CTRP3, CTRP4, CTRP6, and CTRP8 have been reported to be strongly associated with several malignant tumors, like osteosarcoma ( Akiyama et al, 2009 ), hepatocellular carcinoma ( Wan et al, 2019 ), glioblastoma ( Glogowska et al, 2022 ), and other malignancies ( Kong et al, 2021 ). CTRPs are also involved in the carcinogenesis of multiple tumors and may be considered biomarkers or therapeutic targets ( Klonisch et al, 2017 ).…”

CTRP1 Knockout Attenuates Tumor Progression in A549 and HCT116 Cancer Cells

“…For example, adiponectin secretion activates the oxidation of fatty acids in the skeletal muscle and reduces the formation of glucose in the liver for homeostasis [ 17 ]. CTRP family proteins play important roles in the progression of various cancers, including liver, lung, and colon cancers [ 18 ]. As a member of the CTRP family, CTRP1 is mainly expressed in adipose tissue, and a high body mass index correlates with high plasma levels of CTRP1 [ 19 , 20 ].…”