Exploring the Role of AKAP12 in Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Implication

The A-Kinase Anchoring Protein (AKAP) family plays a crucial role as regulators of the intracellular signaling network.AKAP12 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein involved in signal transduction regulation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and tumor suppression.Loss of AKAP12 has been reported to promote cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in various cancers, thereby accelerating tumor progression and metastasis.In colorectal cancer, AKAP12 deletion enhances tumor invasiveness and vascular formation, suggesting its crucial role in regulating the tumor microenvironment.Additionally, epigenetic silencing through promoter methylation has been observed in multiple cancer types, highlighting the significance of AKAP12 in tumor suppression.However, some studies have indicated that AKAP12 is upregulated in specific tumors, suggesting that its role may vary depending on the cancer type and context.This paper comprehensively reviews the diverse roles of AKAP12 in cancer and examines its potential as both a tumor suppressor and therapeutic target.