Oncoproteins are encoded by oncogenes, which are tumor-inducing agents activated from proto-oncogenes because of mutations or elevated expression and are highly associated with tumorigenesis. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes encoding proteins that participate in the regulation on cell growth and differentiation, often related to transduction and execution of signals via their protein products. During the past decades, numerous oncoproteins have been identified and studied. The common categories include but are not limited to:
Oncoproteins play a broad spectrum of roles in multiple biological functions of tumor cells, and have been widely utilized as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in certain human cancers. Here are some most well-known oncoproteins or related pathways, and their applications as targets for cancer research and treatment.
MYC proteins are a family of transcription factors dysregulated during tumorigenesis, triggering the expression of many genes with pro-proliferative functions, and recognized as a master driver in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer. There have been abundant experimental results demonstrating that targeting MYC can lead to tumor regression directly and indirectly. Currently, many therapeutic agents targeting MYC are under development, and antibodies targeting MYC are extensively used as robust experimental tools to help explore the mechanisms of cancers.
RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK is a classical pathway originally identified in the 1990s, which is closely associated with extracellular signal transmission towards specific intracellular targets. The abnormal activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway results in the occurrence and development of tumors. Therefore, many inhibitors (including antibodies, covalent inhibitors, competitive inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors, etc.) targeting molecules in the pathway, including RAS, RAF, MEK1/2, AKT/ERK, and ERK1/2, are developed and put into clinical trials, which provides strategies for optimization for cancer treatment. Combinations of these therapeutic agents are also being investigated in preclinical and clinical research projects.
Fig.1 Overview of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway.1, 3
WNT pathway intensively participates in the determination of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell apoptosis, and cell survival, as well as autophagy, metabolism, microenvironment, and resistance to therapies. It can also modulate embryonic development and cancers involved with inflammation. Many therapeutic agents targeting WNT and other molecules in the pathway, including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, small molecule drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, natural compounds, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, have been developed, some of which have been approved to be used in various clinical application while some are still in different stages of trials.
Fig.2 Overview of WNT signaling pathway.2, 3
As a pioneer in antibody research and development, Amerigo Scientific has gained rich knowledge and resources in targeting a broad spectrum of oncoproteins. We are proud to introduce our antibody products for various applications to our esteemed clients around the world, please feel free to for more information.
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