SNARE Protein in Cellular Membrane Trafficking, Its Regulation and as a Potential Target for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The role of SNARE [soluble NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) accessory protein receptor] protein in cellular trafficking, membrane fusion and vesicle release in synaptic nerve terminals is described. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of SNAREs in vital inflammatory conditions in maturing dendritic cells in order to retain the capacity to present new antigens together with altered cytokine secretory functions. This role of SNAREs can be used as novel targets for therapy in inflammatory diseases. The essential mechanism of SNAREs proteins for regulation of tumour formation through multiple signals and transportation pathways is also discussed. Finally, this review summarizes the current knowledge of SNARE proteins in regulating endocytosis in cancer cells and the possible therapeutic applications related to the pathogenesis of tumor formation .