Overview in cancer reversion: Targeting PKC signaling as a therapeutic strategy in rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Cancer remains a complex disease, and conventional therapeutic approaches often fail to achieve a cure. Cell reprogramming has emerged asa promising approach in cancer management, highlighting the concept of controlling cancer cell plasticity. While cancer is generally consideredirreversible due to genetic mutations, cancer cells can revert to a normal phenotype in certain microenvironments. This phenomenon, known ascancer reversion, has been observed in various types of cancer.Skeletal muscle cancer, such as rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), is a rare but aggressive tumor that primarily affects children and young adults.Despite advances in treatment, RMS remains a significant clinical challenge, and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Recent studies haveimplicated the dysregulation of muscle cell differentiation in RMS development, suggesting that promoting differentiation could be a promisingapproach to counteract tumor growth.Signaling pathways, particularly the phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, play a role in regulating muscle differentiation.While PLC/PKC signaling is essential for differentiation, distinct PKC isoforms exhibit dual roles in either promoting or repressing myogenesis.Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer reversion in skeletal muscle cells may lead to the identification of novel therapeutictargets, including the PKC family.This review highlights the significance of cancer reversion in skeletal muscle and emphasizes the need for further research into the underlyingmolecular mechanisms. By understanding how to restore normal cell behavior in cancer cells, researchers may uncover new opportunities forthe development of effective and targeted cancer therapies.