Cripto-1 Signaling in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
Summary
Cripto-1 is a GPI-anchored oncofetal protein of the EGF-CFC family that functions as a co-receptor for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands, notably Nodal. During embryogenesis, it orchestrates cell fate decisions, axis formation and stem cell maintenance via modulation of Smad, Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. In adult tissues its expression is generally low but is reactivated in diverse cancers, where it drives cell proliferation, survival, motility and angiogenesis. Cripto-1 facilitates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) underlying metastatic spread and sustains a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) endowed with self-renewal and tumour-initiating capacity. By acting both as a membrane-bound co-receptor and a soluble ligand, it mediates autocrine and paracrine signalling that remodels the tumour microenvironment, fosters therapy resistance and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The centrality of Cripto-1 at the nexus of developmental and oncogenic networks underscores its promise as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Cripto-1 Signaling in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cripto-1 signaling in cancer and stem cell biology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Oncofetal protein: A protein normally expressed during embryonic development and re-expressed in cancer cells.
Cancer stem cell (CSC): A subset of tumour cells with self-renewal capacity and the ability to initiate and sustain tumour growth.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT): A process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, enhancing motility and invasiveness.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor: A glycolipid linkage that tethers proteins to the cell membrane.
Co-receptor: A membrane protein that associates with primary receptors to facilitate ligand binding and signal transduction.
References
- Cripto-1 acts as a functional marker of cancer stem-like cells and predicts prognosis of the patients in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Molecular Cancer (2017).
- Cripto-1 expression in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma is associated with poor disease outcome. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2019).
- Cripto-1 plasmid DNA vaccination targets metastasis and cancer stem cells in murine mammary carcinoma. Cancer Immunology Research (2018).
- Enhancement of Notch receptor maturation and signaling sensitivity by Cripto-1. Journal of Cell Biology (2009).
- Requirement of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor of Cripto-1 for trans Activity as a Nodal Co-receptor*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2007).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.