Camp, short for cyclic adenosine monophosphate, is a crucial second messenger that plays pivotal roles in cell signaling. It regulates numerous physiological and pathological processes, mainly through the protein kinase A (PKA) and its downstream effectors like cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB). The cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway is involved in various cellular functions such as cell growth, migration, invasion, and metabolism [1].

Aberrant cAMP-PKA signaling is associated with different types of human tumors. In cancer, cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling can have both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles depending on the tumor types and context. Tumor-associated stromal cells can release cytokines and growth factors that influence cAMP production within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting cAMP signaling in the TME shows therapeutic benefits in cancer, with small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA being able to inhibit tumor growth, and cAMP-elevating agents like forskolin can induce cancer cell death and inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types [2].

In conclusion, Camp is a key second messenger regulating multiple cellular functions. Its involvement in the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway is of great significance in tumorigenesis. Understanding the role of Camp in the TME through research can provide new insights for developing effective cancer therapies.

References:

1. Zhang, Hongying, Kong, Qingbin, Wang, Jiao, Jiang, Yangfu, Hua, Hui. 2020. Complex roles of cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling in cancer. In Experimental hematology & oncology, 9, 32. doi:10.1186/s40164-020-00191-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33292604/

2. Zhang, Hongying, Liu, Yongliang, Liu, Jieya, Hua, Hui, Jiang, Yangfu. 2024. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. In Journal of hematology & oncology, 17, 5. doi:10.1186/s13045-024-01524-x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38233872/