Insulin-Like Growth Factor from Physiology to Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

The IGF system is a dynamic network of ligands, receptors, extracellular binding proteins, and downstream signaling pathway effectors. A fine-tuned regulation of this axis is necessary for health since IGFs drive crucial physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and differentiation. Aberrant expression or function of the IGF signaling characterizes many pathologic conditions, including cancer. The IGF network is implicated in the regulation of most hallmarks of cancer, such as cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, stemness, and cell dissemination. Accordingly, multiple anti-IGF targeted therapies have been developed and tested in different tumor types with disappointing results in clinical trials. However, previously underrated, biological responses elicited by the IGF system not only depend on its few canonical components but also rely on functional interactions which integrate signals from multiple factors, posing a major limitation in the use of anti-IGF agents. Epigenetic and post-transcriptional mechanisms can affect IGF component expression. In parallel, cross-talks with other cancer-related pathways lead to signaling redundancy or compensation mechanisms.

This research topic aims to collect the most recent advancements in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms surrounding the IGF system and the implications of this complexity in cancer development, progression, and response to therapies.

Dr. Caterina Mancarella
Guest Editor

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