Annexin-A1 - A Blessing or a Curse in Cancer?

Annexin-A1 (ANXA1), a potent endogenous immunomodulatory protein has been implicated in multiple functions essential in cancer, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, chemosensitivity, metastasis, and invasion. ANXA1 expression is varied depending on tumor type, and there are contradictory reports on its role in the regulation of proliferation and tumor growth. Here, we summarize the differing reports on cell proliferation and metastasis and attempt to discuss the reasons behind these different effects. ANXA1 plays a role as a homeostatic protein that regulates essential transcription factors and miRNAs. A more coherent understanding of ANXA1 in cancer could present a more biologically meaningful and clinically relevant strategy.