[Pathophysiologic mechanism of CMTM5 low expression in multiple myeloma progression]

Research insights into the chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing family (CMTM): their roles in various tumors

The chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing (CMTM) family includes CMTM1-8 and CKLF, and they play key roles in the hematopoietic, immune, cardiovascular, and male reproductive systems, participating in the physiological functions, cancer, and other diseases associated with these systems. CMTM family members activate and chemoattract immune cells to affect the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells through a similar mechanism, the structural characteristics typical of chemokines and transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF). In this review, we discuss each CMTM family member's chromosomal location, involved signaling pathways, expression patterns, and potential roles, and mechanisms of action in pancreatic, breast, gastric and liver cancers. Furthermore, we discuss several clinically applied tumor therapies targeted at the CMTM family, indicating that CMTM family members could be novel immune checkpoints and potential targets effective in tumor treatment.

CMTM Family and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Gastrointestinal tract cancers are a highly heterogeneous group of malignant diseases, contributing significantly to the burden of death worldwide. Chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing family (CMTMs) plays important roles in cancer development and progression. Since the first member was cloned, there have been abundant studies on the relationships between the CMTM family and human cancers. It has been reported that the CMTM family has a large potential prognostic value for multiple cancers. Meanwhile, upregulated or downregulated expression of the family members was related to advanced tumor stage, metastasis, and overall survival. Studies have also reported that these proteins play critical roles in antitumor immunity. We performed a systematic review to sum up the latest advances of CMTM family’ roles in gastrointestinal tract cancers, with a primary focus on hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric carcinoma.