Targeting synuclein-gamma to counteract drug resistance in cancer.

BACKGROUND: Expression of synuclein-gamma (SNCG) protein is elevated in the advanced stages of many types of cancers, including ovarian, lung, liver, esophagus, colon, prostate and, in particular, breast. In breast carcinoma, SNCG is causatively linked to stimulated proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To establish SNCG as a potential therapeutic target and to discuss clinical use of SNCG inhibiting peptide.

METHODS: This review focuses on the plausible mechanisms of SNCG activity, SNCG mediated drug resistance and its inhibition.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Evidence based research shows that the aberrant expression of SNCG has a strong correlation with breast cancer progression and poor clinical outcome. A peptide based inhibitor counters activity of SNCG, which may be developed as an adjuvant therapy.