The Use of Hexokinase 2-Displacing Peptides as an Anti-Neoplastic Approach for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors.

ABSTRACT: Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that can arise both sporadically and in patients with the genetic syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Prognosis is dismal, as large dimensions, risk of relapse, and anatomical localization make surgery poorly effective, and no therapy is known. Hence, the identification of MPNST molecular features that could be hit in an efficient and selective way is mandatory to envision treatment options. Here, we find that MPNSTs express high levels of the glycolytic enzyme Hexokinase 2 (HK2), which is known to shield cancer cells from noxious stimuli when it localizes at MAMs (mitochondria-associated membranes), contact sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. A HK2-targeting peptide that dislodges HK2 from MAM

SUBMITTER: Ciscato F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11240344 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature