Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) in gynecological cancers: Current state of knowledge

Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), also known as the F11 receptor (F11R), is one of the tight junction components. JAM-A is a transmembrane glycoprotein that regulates many cellular processes, i.e., angiogenesis, leukocyte transendothelial migration, intercellular permeability, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and platelet activation. Of note, it is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancer types, including gynecological cancers. Only a few studies are available about this cancer type. Observed aberrant JAM-A expression in gynecological cancers correlates with poor patient prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, conflicting JAM-A roles in various cancer types suggest that its involvement is complex and tumor-type specific. The underlying molecular mechanisms and pathways responsible for JAM-A functions were not fully elucidated and need to be identified. Finding appropriate novel molecular cancer biomarkers may reduce observed very high mortality rates and could contribute to personalized treatment development. The main aim of the present viewpoint article is to report the current knowledge about JAM-A participation in gynecological malignancies.

Automated summary

JAM-A is a tight junction component that regulates various cellular processes. Its aberrant expression is associated with poor prognosis in gynecological cancers. However, its role in cancer is complex and tumor-type specific.