Roles of Leptin in Cancer Progression

Growing evidence suggests a prominent role for leptin in human cancer progression. The intricate pattern of leptin cross-talk with other associated signaling pathways is a critical area of research that will ultimately contribute to comprehending the role of leptin in cancer progression. This review summarizes a portion of the current understanding of leptin signaling, with a critical focus on its contribution to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Five topics are addressed in this review: (1) Leptin receptor, (2) Leptin signaling, (3) Leptin and cancer, and (4) Leptin and tumor invasion. Due to the complex cellular effects of leptin, a more precise understanding of leptin signaling pathways must still be elucidated. Leptin is clearly a major factor for stimulating tumor progression through a complex spectrum of interplay and cross-talk among various signaling molecules. An understanding of the role of leptin in invasion and metastasis will provide valuable information for establishing strategies to modulate leptin signaling, which should be a high priority for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.