胸腺素α原与肿瘤关系的研究进展

Prothymosin alpha and Tumor:Current Status and Perspective

胸腺素α原(prothymosin alpha,ProTα)是一种天然无结构、强酸性小分子蛋白质,具有高度遗传保守性,含量丰富,存在于所有哺乳动物组织中。其生理功能尚未澄清,最新研究发现,ProTα与肿瘤关系密切,可能作为一个新的、重要的肿瘤诊断和治疗靶点。本文对近年来有关ProTα在细胞增殖、肿瘤发生、细胞凋亡和免疫调节方面的作用及其基因表达的调节和可能的作用机制等方面的文献作一综述,并对ProTα在肿瘤诊断和治疗中的意义进行展望。

Prothymosin alpha （ProTα） is a small molecule of natively unstructured acidic protein, and widely exists in mammalian tissues. Nevertheless, its biological functions are still elusive. Recent studies indicate that ProTα is involved in carcinogenesis and cancer development. We reviewed current reports on the potential roles of ProTα in cell proliferation, carcinogenesis, apoptosis, and immunomodulatory, discussed the regulation of ProTα gene expression and possible molecular mechanisms underlying its internal and external actions in cells, and explored its significance in tumor diagnosis and treatment.