MAP17 as biomarker for cancer treatment

Abstract

MAP17 is a small 17 kDa membrane-associated protein present in a high proportion of tumors, not only carcinoma. It has been found that it is not present in adenoma and benign tumors and highly expressed in metastatic carcinoma. Therefore, the expression correlates with tumor stage and malignant status of the tumor. The expression is mainly driven at transcriptional level either by promoter activation or demethylation. Expression of MAP17 in primary cells triggers senescence through p38, but in already tumoral cells, it enhances the tumoral capabilities of these cells increasing proliferation, migration, resistance to apoptosis, etc. MAP17 expression increases the levels of oxidative species, ROS, in cells which may account for some of the increased tumoral properties. In turn, a further increase of ROS might switch the balance toward apoptosis. Thus, MAP17 may increase the efficacy of therapies increasing ROS and therefore constitute a biomarker for better prognosis of these tumors. In cervix tumors, currently treated with cisplatin and radiotherapy, the presence of MAP17 is a marker for good response to therapy and good survival of the patients. Therefore, MAP17 is not only a marker for stage and malignant status but also of a better response to drugs involving oxidative stress.