Observation
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World J Exp Med. Dec 20, 2011; 1(1): 7-9
Published online Dec 20, 2011. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v1.i1.7
Neuroendocrine differentiation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in cancer: Partners or enemies?
Panagiotis J Vlachostergios, Christos N Papandreou
Panagiotis J Vlachostergios, Christos N Papandreou, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece
Author contributions: Vlachostergios PJ and Papandreou CN contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Panagiotis J Vlachostergios, MD, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Larissa, Greece. pvlacho@med.uth.gr
Telephone: +30-241-3502785  Fax: +30-241-3501021
Received: September 13, 2011
Revised: December 9, 2011
Accepted: December 16, 2011
Published online: December 20, 2011
Abstract

Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation of cancer and deregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are two processes that have been independently linked to the development of aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors. Striking data suggest a plausible interconnection between these two mechanisms, based on indirect evidence of neuropeptide-induced effects on UPS, reversed by proteasome inhibition and deubiquitinase-like properties of NE markers. Deciphering the model of their exact interactions is one of the keys to targeting the NE malignant phenotype more effectively.

Keywords: Neuroendocrine differentiation; Ubiquitin; Proteasome; Cancer