The DNA replication regulator MCM6: An emerging cancer biomarker and target.

Abstract

MCM6 is a significant DNA replication regulator that plays a crucial role in sustaining the cell cycle. In many cancer cells, MCM6 expression is enhanced. For example, persistently increased expression of MCM6 promotes the formation, development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Up- and down-regulation studies have indicated that MCM6 regulates cell cycle, proliferation, metastasis, immune response and the maintenance of the DNA replication system. MCM6 can also regulate downstream signaling such as MEK/ERK thus promoting carcinogenesis. Accordingly, MCM6 may represent a sensitive and specific biomarker to predict adverse progression and poor outcome. Furthermore, inhibition of MCM6 may be an effective cancer treatment. The present review summarizes the latest results on the inactivating and activating functions of MCM6, underlining its function in carcinogenesis. Further studies of the carcinogenic functions of MCM6 may provide novel insight into cancer biology and shed light on new approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• Authors: Tian Zeng, Yang Guan, Yu-Kun Li, Qing Wu, Xiao-Jun Tang, Xin Zeng, Hui Ling, Juan Zou
• Journal: Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry (Clin Chim Acta) Vol. 517 Pg. 92-98 (Jun 2021) ISSN: 1873-3492 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 33609557 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• MCM6 protein, human
• Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 6

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (genetics)
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (diagnosis, genetics)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation
• DNA Replication
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Liver Neoplasms (diagnosis, genetics)
• Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 6 (genetics, metabolism)