Annexin A1 (Anxa1) is an agent of the superfamily of Annexin proteins. Previously, it was known as a mediator in the anti-inflammatory response of glucocorticoids. In several types of research in past decades, it was reported as lipomodulin, lipocortin-1, renocortin, and macrocortin, before it was termed Annexin A1. Anxa1 has complex roles in different essential cellular processes as membrane aggregation, cellular transduction, phagocytosis, inflammation, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Cumulative evidence has suggested that Anxa1 dysregulations are linked to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, metastasis, invasion, and drug resistance of cancers by contributing to cell proliferation and differentiation, cell apoptosis and signaling. Recently, there is growing evidence indicates that Anxa1 could function either as a tumor promoter or a tumor suppressor candidate for certain cancers relying on the specific type of tumor cells/tissues.
In this article, we attempt to clarify the association between Annexin A1 and malignancies, as well as potential action mechanisms. Anxa1 may serve as prognostic predictor of outcome and response to chemotherapy and a potential target for therapy in the future.