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Neuro-Oncology 2005 7(3):260-278; doi:10.1215/S1152851704001188
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© 2005 by the Society forNeuro-Oncology

Chaperone proteins and brain tumors: Potential targets and possibletherapeutics

Michael W. Graner2 and Darell D. Bigner

Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC27710, USA

2 Address correspondence to Michael W. Graner, Duke University Medical Center,Department of Pathology, MSRB 173A, Durham, NC 27710, USA(michael.graner{at}duke.edu).


  Abstract

Chaperone proteins are most notable for the proteo- and cyotoprotectivecapacities they afford during cellular stress. Under conditions of cellularnormalcy, chaperones still play integral roles in the folding of nascentpolypeptides into functional entities, in assisting inintracellular/intraorganellar transport, in assembly and maintenance ofmulti-subunit protein complexes, and in aiding and abetting the degradation ofsenescent proteins. Tumors frequently have relatively enhanced needs forchaperone number and activity because of the stresses of rapid proliferation,increased metabolism, and overall genetic instability. Thus, it may bepossible to take advantage of this reliance that tumor cells have onchaperones by pharmacologic and biologic means. Certain chaperones areabundant in the brain, which implies important roles for them. While it ispresumed that the requirements of brain tumors for chaperone proteins aresimilar to those of any other cell type, tumor or otherwise, very littleinquiry has been directed at the possibility of using chaperone proteins astherapeutic targets or even as therapeutic agents against central nervoussystem malignancies. This review highlights some of the research on thefunctions of chaperone proteins, on what can be done to modify thosefunctions, and on the physiological responses that tumors and organisms canhave to chaperone-targeted or chaperone-based therapies. In particular, thisreview will also underscore areas of research where brain tumors have beenpart of the field, although in general those instances are few and farbetween. This relative dearth of research devoted to chaperone protein targetsand therapeutics in brain tumors reveals much untrodden turf to explore forpotential treatments of these dread fully refractive diseases.

Received December 8, 2004; Accepted February 7, 2005


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