S100A4, a link between metastasis and inflammation

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is acknowledged to be a hallmark of neoplasia—both in cancer initiation and metastasis progression. Here we summarise data suggesting that S100A4 is а trigger of the cascade events that establish an inflammatory milieu and provide a potent flame for primary tumour growth and especially for its metastatic dissemination. The S100A4 protein belongs to the S100 superfamily of small Ca²⁺-binding proteins. Well established function of S100A4 is associated with induction and promotion of tumour metastasis. However, this protein is also involved in the pathogenesis of major human non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, and other disorders. Therefore, we suggest that S100A4 is a common pro-inflammatory factor involved in the pathogenesis of diverse NCD including cancer.