Review of S100A9 biology and its role in cancer

S100A9 is a calcium binding protein with multiple ligands and post-translation modifications that is involved in inflammatory events and the initial development of the cancer cell through to the development of metastatic disease. This review has a threefold purpose: 1) describe the S100A9 structural elements important for its biological activity, 2) describe the S100A9 biology in the context of the immune system, and 3) illustrate the role of S100A9 in the development of malignancy via interactions with the immune system and other cellular processes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.