Lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta: a novel potential biomarker for cancer therapy with multiple functions

LAPTM4B,which is a proto-oncogene,plays important roles in cancer progression,including clinical stages and pathologic grades.[1]The LAPTM4B gene encodes the lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta(LAPTM4B)protein and LAPTM4B is cloned from hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).[2]There is increasing evidence that LAPTM4B is a novel oncogene,which is over-expressed in many human solid tumors.[3]Furthermore,the up-regulation of LAPTM4B is associated with chemotherapy resistance,as well as poor clinical outcomes and prognoses.[4,5]LAPTM4B also promotes cell survival,growth,proliferation,metastasis,tolerance to metabolic stress,and autophagy.[6]Thus,the LAPTM4B protein may represent an excellent candidate for individualized treatment and tumor monitoring.