Nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7 (NME7) (NME7)

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7 (NME7) is a member of the NME/NM23 family of proteins, primarily known for its role in maintaining cellular nucleotide pools through its phosphotransferase activity (UniProt Q9Y5B8). Beyond its intracellular metabolic function, NME7 has been identified as a critical extracellular ligand for MUC1*, which is the truncated, oncogenic form of the MUC1 transmembrane protein (Smagghe et al., 2013, PLoS ONE). This NME7-MUC1* signaling pathway is a potent driver of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells and is frequently hijacked by cancer cells to maintain a stem-like, proliferative state (Minerva Biotechnologies). In many solid tumors, NME7 is secreted into the microenvironment where it binds to and activates MUC1*, promoting tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Therapeutic strategies, such as the development of NME7-AB (anti-NME7 antibodies), focus on disrupting this specific protein-protein interaction. By blocking NME7 from binding to MUC1*, these drugs aim to inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells and induce their differentiation into less aggressive cell types. This approach represents a novel checkpoint in oncology, targeting the metabolic and signaling requirements of primitive cancer cells.

Other names

NM23-H7NDK 7NDPK 7Non-metastatic cells 7 protein

Inhibition of the interaction between NME7 and the MUC1* receptor to block oncogenic growth signaling and promote the differentiation of cancer stem cells.