Synuclein Proteins in Cancer Development and Progression

Synucleins are a family of small, soluble proteins mainly expressed in neural tissue and in certain tumors. Since their discovery, tens of thousands of scientific reports have been published about this family of proteins as they are associated with severe human diseases. Although the physiological function of these proteins is still elusive, their relationship with neurodegeneration and cancer has been clearly described over the years. In this review, we summarize data connecting synucleins and cancer, going from the structural description of these molecules to their involvement in tumor-related processes, and discuss the putative use of these proteins as cancer molecular biomarkers.

Automated summary

Synucleins are small, soluble proteins mainly expressed in neural tissue and certain tumors. They have been extensively studied due to their association with severe human diseases. While their physiological function remains unclear, their involvement in neurodegeneration and cancer has been well described. This review summarizes the relationship between synucleins and cancer, discussing their structural features, role in tumor-related processes, and their potential use as cancer molecular biomarkers.