MULTIPLE ROLES OF HMGB1 IN CANCER CELLS

Abstract

HMGB1 is a non-histone chromosomal protein, a secretory protein binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products in cancer cells and monocyte-lineage immune cells. HMGB1 enhances proliferation, motility, invasion, and survival of cancer cells. HMGB1 associated with DNA repair of anti-cancer drug-induced DNA damage. Importantly, HMGB1 is released from necrotic cancer cells and induces re-growth of the remnant cancer cells. In contrast, HMGB1 induces apoptosis in monocyte-lineage immune cells and inhibits tumor-infiltrating macrophages and dendritic cells, lymph node sinus macrophages, liver Kupffer cells to attenuate anti-cancer immune responses and anti-metastatic organ defense.