Calcineurin in cancer signaling networks.

Abstract

Calcium/calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cell signaling is a vital regulator of the development and function of immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. The dysregulation of calcineurin activity has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including certain cancers, cardiac hypertrophy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Calcineurin is highly expressed in certain cancers and stabilizes and activates factors that promote cancer cell proliferation. Research has shown that protein dephosphorylation by calcineurin contributes to tumor formation and progression. Thus, elucidating molecular mechanisms of calcineurin-mediated tumorigenesis and tumor cell growth and targeting signaling pathways downstream of calcineurin may lead to new cancer therapies. This study reviewed the multiple roles of calcineurin in cell cycle progression and its potential as a target for cancer treatment.