ASC (Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD, also known as PYCARD)
– ASC is a key adaptor molecule in the assembly of inflammasomes—a multiprotein complex that activates caspase-1.
– Beyond its inflammasome functions, ASC has been implicated in mediating apoptosis.
– In some cancers, ASC expression is downregulated, which may impair inflammasome assembly and promote immune evasion, whereas in other tumor types, elevated ASC has been reported, sometimes reflecting a heightened local inflammatory state.
– Studies indicate that reduced ASC expression in certain tumor types (for example, melanoma or colon cancer) can correlate with decreased inflammasome activity, potentially leading to immune evasion and a more aggressive tumor phenotype.
– Conversely, in some cancers an upregulation or persistent activation of ASC-containing inflammasomes has been linked to a pro-inflammatory milieu that might drive tumor progression and metastasis.
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