Frontiers in Oncology (Apr 2024)

Multiple functions of HMGB1 in cancer

  • Guangyao Lv,
  • Menglin Yang,
  • Keke Gai,
  • Qiong Jia,
  • Zhenzhen Wang,
  • Bin Wang,
  • Xueying Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1384109
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear DNA-binding protein with a dual role in cancer, acting as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. This protein regulates nucleosomal structure, DNA damage repair, and genomic stability within the cell, while also playing a role in immune cell functions. This review comprehensively evaluates the biological and clinical significance of HMGB1 in cancer, including its involvement in cell death and survival, its potential as a therapeutic target and cancer biomarker, and as a prosurvival signal for the remaining cells after exposure to cytotoxic anticancer treatments. We highlight the need for a better understanding of the cellular markers and mechanisms involved in the involvement of HMGB1in cancer, and aim to provide a deeper understanding of its role in cancer progression.

Keywords