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World J Biol Chem. Oct 26, 2010; 1(10): 307-312
Published online Oct 26, 2010. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v1.i10.307
Regulation of cancer cell migration and invasion by sphingosine-1-phosphate
James R Van Brocklyn
James R Van Brocklyn, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
Author contributions: Van Brocklyn JR wrote the manuscript.
Supported by R21 CA124685 from the National Cancer Institute and R01 NS41517 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Correspondence to: James R Van Brocklyn, PhD, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, 4164 Graves Hall, 333 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States. james.vanbrocklyn@osumc.edu
Telephone: +1-614-2927515 Fax: +1-614-2925849
Received: July 20, 2010
Revised: July 28, 2010
Accepted: August 4, 2010
Published online: October 26, 2010
Abstract

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that has been implicated in regulation of a number of cancer cell malignant behaviors, including cell proliferation, survival, chemotherapeutic resistance and angiogenesis. However, the effects of S1P on cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis, are perhaps its most complex, due to the fact that, depending upon the S1P receptors that mediate its responses and the crosstalk with other signaling pathways, S1P can either positively or negatively regulate invasion. This review summarizes the effects of S1P on cancer cell invasion and the mechanisms by which it affects this important aspect of cancer cell behavior.

Keywords: Sphingolipids, Cancer, Invasion, Metastasis