Glypican 3 (GPC 3) In Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression

Glypican 3 (GPC 3) is one of six glypicans identified in humans. Glypicans are external cell surface membrane-bound Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs), anchored by a Glycosyl-Phosphatidylinositol (GPI). GPC 3 is a regulator of morphogens and growth factors in cell maturation during development. GPC 3 plays diverse roles in cancer and modulates various aspects of tumour biology. Its effects on cancer progression depend on the type of tissue involved. GPC 3 may serve as a tumour marker for cancer diagnosis and may also be a viable target for cancer therapy. Here, we review the expression, localization, mutations, and functional roles of GPC 3 during the pathogenesis and progression of various human cancers.