Decorin-mediated oncosuppression – a potential future adjuvant therapy for human epithelial cancers

Abstract

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</p><p>Currently, the multifaceted role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumorigenesis has been realized. One ECM macromolecule exhibiting potent oncosuppressive actions in tumorigenesis is decorin, the prototype of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan gene family. The actions of decorin include its capability to function as an endogenous pan-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a regulator of both autophagy and mitophagy, as well as a modulator of the immune system. In this review, we will discuss these topics in more detail. We will also give a summary of preclinical studies exploring the value of decorin-mediated oncosuppression as a potential future adjuvant therapy for epithelial cancers. </p>