BMP6 and Tumour associated macrophages

Philip Wang  Grade 10 student, St. Roberts Catholic High School, Sun Life Gene Medical Science Institute Cancer Research Program Student, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

Abstract Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 (BMP6), a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily member, plays the core role in tumor microenvironment in relation to its action on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). BMP6 promotes tumor development through its action on macrophage polarization towards an M2-like state with concomitant immunosuppression and pro-tumorigenic activity. Recent evidence has focused on the molecular mechanisms that execute BMP6-induced TAM reprogramming through Smad5 and STAT3 pathways, and its clinical relevance in various cancers such as renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. This review pertains to the role of BMP6 in the regulation of TAMs, the molecular pathways behind it, and its potential for treatment in cancer.  Keywords: Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 (BMP6), Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs), TGF-β Superfamily, Immunosuppression, Cancer Therapy