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The corticotropin releasing factor system in cancer: expression and pathophysiological implications

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Abstract

Malignant tumors express multiple factors that have some role in the regulating networks supporting their ectopic growth. Recently, increased interest has been developing in the expression and biological role of the neuropeptides and receptors of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, the principal neuroendocrine mediator of the stress response, especially in the light of several R&D programs for small molecule antagonists that could present some anticancer therapeutic benefit. In the present article, we review the literature suggesting that the CRF system could be involved in the regulation of human cancer development. Potential implication in growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, or immune parameters via activation of locally expressed receptors could be clinically exploited by presenting targets of new therapeutic approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anticancer Hospital ‘Theagenio’, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Athina Kaprara & Kalliopi Pazaitou-Panayiotou

  2. Laboratory of Biochemistry, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece

    Alexandros Kortsaris

  3. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 681 00, Alexandroupolis, Greece

    Ekaterini Chatzaki

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  1. Athina Kaprara
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  2. Kalliopi Pazaitou-Panayiotou
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  3. Alexandros Kortsaris
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  4. Ekaterini Chatzaki
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Correspondence to Ekaterini Chatzaki.

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Kaprara, A., Pazaitou-Panayiotou, K., Kortsaris, A. et al. The corticotropin releasing factor system in cancer: expression and pathophysiological implications. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 67, 1293–1306 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-010-0265-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-010-0265-2

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