An Indian research team analysed data from 10,000 patients with 33 types of cancer from the Cancer Genome Atlas, investigating the role of Kindlins in disease progression. The results, published in the journal Communications Biology, highlight the potential of Kindlins as targets for developing new cancer therapies.

Kindlins are proteins attached to the cell membrane of almost all vertebrate cells that play a key role in converting mechanical signals from the external environment into biochemical signals within the cell. This is reported by
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These proteins interact with structural proteins, receptors and transcription factors to activate a cascade of intracellular signals required to maintain the body’s homeostasis. Disruptions in Kindlin structure can lead to diseases such as cancer.

The study concludes a possible link between Kindlin dysfunction and poor survival prognosis, emphasising their importance at different stages and subtypes of cancer. 

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