The role of aspartate beta-hydroxylase in tumors associated with human papillomaviruses

Abstract

Aspartate beta-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a transmembrane protein that is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. It is not produced in most normal cells, but the expression is increased in tumor cells, where it can be localized to the cell surface and increase cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ASPH stimulates several signaling pathways, including Notch1 and SRC pathways. It also interacts with vimentin to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and with pRb to enhance cell cycle progression. ASPH overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with various cancers. Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) have been developed to reduce ASPH enzymatic activity.