Potential role of Anxa1 in cancer.

The annexins are a well-known, closely related, multigene superfamily of Ca(2+)-regulated, phospholipid-dependent, membrane-binding proteins. As a member of the annexins, Anxa1 participates in a variety of important biological processes, such as cellular transduction, membrane aggregation, inflammation, phagocytosis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Accumulated evidence has indicated that Anxa1 deregulations are associated with the development, invasion, metastasis, occurrence and drug resistance of cancers. The research evidence in recent years indicates that Anxa1 might specifically function either as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter candidate for certain cancers depending on the particular type of tumor cells/tissues. This article summarizes the associations between Anxa1 and malignant tumors, as well as potential action mechanisms. Anxa1 has the potential to be used in the future as a biomarker for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of certain tumors.