Recently, Alex Tuffour, an international master student of Prof. Haifeng Shi in our faculty, published in the world-class journal BBA-Reviews on Cancer, (IF=10.68, Chinese Academy of Sciences SCI Journal Division-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Zone 2, World Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ranked 19/325) the paper named Role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in cancer metastasis to bone: Identifying a potential therapeutic target. This paper was completed by Alex Tuffour under the guidance of Prof. Haifeng Shi and Associate Researcher Jie Gu. Until now, School of Life Sciences in Jiangsu University was the only one to complete the forward-looking review, and Prof. Haifeng Shi was the corresponding author. (Https://www. elsevier.com/locate/bbacan)

        The main reason for the incidence and death of cancer worldwide is that it can be transferred from the source of the second contact point, among where bone metastasis is difficult to control and treat. Inhibiting or controlling the metastasis and spread of cancer is an important strategy and research hotspot for cancer treatment. Taking into account the special environment of high concentration of calcium (Ca2+) in bone during the process of cancer bone metastasis, Prof. Haifeng Shi's team analyzed the effect of calcium sensitive receptor (CaSR), a key receptor for cells and the body to maintain calcium homeostasis, on cancer bone metastasis . As a pleiotropic receptor, CaSR can promote the proliferation of some cancers (such as breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer), stimulate bone metastasis; and inhibit other cancers (such as colon cancer) . The article pointed out that the activity of CaSR not only enhanced the proliferation, migration and inhibition of apoptosis of tumor cells, but also increased the secretion of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and Epiregulin, thereby inducing osteolytic activity and inhibiting growth and bone activity, promoted tumor bone metastasis. In addition, cytokines and Ca2+ released by bone resorption are key factors that further promote tumor proliferation. Prof. Shi mentioned, “When designing alternative treatments for cancer, the dual regulatory effect of CaSR on cancer can be used. In terms of treatment, CaSR targeted therapy can be used for patients with bone metastases caused by elevated CaSR expression of tumor cells. "

        The paper received funding of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.