EMILIN-1 in the tumor microenvironment: insights from CNS tumors and beyond

Elastin Microfibril Interface Located Protein 1 (EMILIN-1) is a multifunctional extracellular glycoprotein, primarily involved in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Known for regulation of elastogenesis and vascular stability, EMILIN-1 has emerged as a key modulator of multiple biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Recent experimental data highlight the importance of EMILIN-1 in cancer biology, especially in malignant tumors of the nervous system, where EMILIN-1’s regulatory functions influence tumor progression and metastatic potential. Specifically, EMILIN-1 can exert tumor-suppressive effects by modulating cell signaling pathways of tumor cells and EMILIN-1 can also alter the immune response and promote progression of brain tumors. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the recently discovered mechanisms through which EMILIN-1 promotes tumor progression in the nervous system and other sites.