Autotaxin in Breast Cancer: Role, Epigenetic Regulation and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Autotaxin (ATX), the protein product of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase Phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2), is a secreted lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) responsible for the extracellular production of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). ATX-LPA pathway signaling participates in several normal biological functions, but it has also been connected to cancer progression, metastasis and inflammatory processes. Significant research has established a role in breast cancer and it has been suggested as a therapeutic target and/or a clinically relevant biomarker. Recently, ENPP2 methylation was described, revealing a potential for clinical exploitation in liquid biopsy. The current review aims to gather the latest findings about aberrant signaling through ATX-LPA in breast cancer and discusses the role of ENPP2 expression and epigenetic modification, giving insights with translational value.

Keywords

• autotaxin
• <i>ENPP2</i>
• lysophosphatidic acid
• ATX-LPA signaling
• expression
• methylation