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Cytosolic N-terminal Formyl-Methionine Deformylation Promotes Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Tumor Progression – Scientific Reports

**Cytosolic N-terminal Formyl-Methionine Deformylation Promotes Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Tumor Progression**

Cancer remains one of the most formidable challenges in modern medicine, with its complexity and adaptability often outpacing current therapeutic strategies. A recent study published in *Scientific Reports* has shed light on a novel mechanism that may contribute to the resilience and progression of cancer: the role of cytosolic N-terminal formyl-methionine deformylation in promoting cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics and tumor progression.

### Understanding Formyl-Methionine Deformylation

Proteins are synthesized in cells through a process called translation, which begins with the incorporation of the amino acid methionine at the N-terminus of nascent polypeptides. In prokaryotes, this methionine is often formylated, a modification that is typically removed by the enzyme peptide deformylase (PDF). While this process is well-characterized in bacteria, its occurrence and significance in eukaryotic cells, particularly in the context of cancer, have been less clear.

### The Study’s Key Findings

The research team behind the study investigated the presence and function of N-terminal formyl-methionine deformylation in human cancer cells. They discovered that this process is not only present but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and promoting tumor progression.

1. **Expression of Peptide Deformylase (PDF) in Cancer Cells**: The study found that PDF is expressed in various human cancer cell lines. This enzyme is responsible for removing the formyl group from N-terminal methionine residues, a step that appears to be critical for the stability and function of certain proteins involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation.

2. **Promotion of Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics**: CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types found in tumors. They are often resistant to conventional therapies and are believed to be responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis. The study demonstrated that inhibiting PDF activity reduced the expression of key CSC markers, such as CD44 and ALDH1, suggesting that formyl-methionine deformylation supports the maintenance of CSC properties.

3. **Enhanced Tumor Progression**: In vivo experiments using mouse models revealed that tumors derived from cells with active PDF exhibited more aggressive growth and higher metastatic potential compared to those with inhibited PDF activity. This indicates that formyl-methionine deformylation contributes to tumor progression by enhancing the invasive and metastatic capabilities of cancer cells.

### Mechanistic Insights

The researchers delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations. They found that formyl-methionine deformylation affects several signaling pathways known to be involved in cancer progression, including the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. By modulating these pathways, PDF activity appears to enhance the stemness and survival of cancer cells under stress conditions, such as those encountered during chemotherapy.

### Therapeutic Implications

The findings from this study open up new avenues for cancer treatment. Targeting PDF or the process of N-terminal formyl-methionine deformylation could potentially disrupt the maintenance of CSCs and reduce tumor aggressiveness. This approach could be particularly valuable in combination with existing therapies to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis.

### Conclusion

The discovery that cytosolic N-terminal formyl-methionine deformylation promotes cancer stem cell characteristics and tumor progression adds a new layer of complexity to our understanding of cancer biology. It highlights the importance of post-translational modifications in regulating cancer cell behavior and offers promising new targets for therapeutic intervention. As research continues to unravel the intricacies of this process, it holds the potential to significantly impact the development of more effective cancer treatments.