The multifaceted roles of cyclophilin C in human diseases: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential from non-neoplastic diseases to malignancies

This review article primarily focuses on the multifaceted roles of Cyclophilin C (CypC) in various human diseases including both non-neoplastic diseases and malignancies. CypC, a member of the cyclophilin family, exhibits peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase and apoptotic nuclease activities and is involved in endoplasmic reticulum redox homeostasis. In non-neoplastic diseases, CypC serves as a biomarker for coronary artery disease (CAD) through its proinflammatory effects and its impact on vascular endothelial dysfunction. It also protects brain tissue from ischemic injury and aids human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in evading immune surveillance, leading to chronic infection. The gene encoding CypC, PPIC, is implicated in glycemic control, liver fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the context of malignancies, although fewer studies have been reported, CypC's roles in ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and gliomas highlight its potential as a candidate biomarker and a potential target requiring further validation. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the role and molecular mechanisms underlying CypC's involvement in these diseases, thereby contributing to the identification of novel targeted therapies.