Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Fluorescence-based Monitoring of PAD4 Activity via a Pro-fluorescence Substrate Analog
08:37

Fluorescence-based Monitoring of PAD4 Activity via a Pro-fluorescence Substrate Analog

Published on: November 5, 2014

The tumour suppressor Pdcd4: recent advances in the elucidation of function and regulation

Brigitte Lankat-Buttgereit1, Rüdiger Göke

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35033 Marburg, Germany. lankatbu@staff.uni-marburg.de

Biology of the Cell
|April 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) is a tumor suppressor gene influencing gene expression and cell signaling. Its precise functions and regulation are complex and may vary by cell type, impacting cancer therapy development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cellular Signaling

Background:

  • Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) is recognized as a tumor suppressor gene with potential in anticancer therapies.
  • Pdcd4 was initially identified as upregulated during apoptosis, but its exact role requires further definition.
  • Emerging evidence suggests Pdcd4 influences transcription and translation, modulating signal transduction pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the current understanding of programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) function.
  • To consolidate knowledge on the regulation mechanisms of Pdcd4.
  • To highlight the potential of Pdcd4 as a target for novel anticancer strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on Pdcd4.
  • Analysis of data concerning Pdcd4's influence on transcription and translation.
  • Examination of Pdcd4's role in various cell signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Pdcd4 levels are shown to impact both transcriptional and translational processes.
  • Pdcd4 modulates diverse signal transduction pathways, contributing to its tumor suppressor activity.
  • Recent findings indicate that Pdcd4's function is context-dependent, varying with cell type and genetic background.

Conclusions:

  • Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) plays a significant role in cellular processes relevant to cancer.
  • Understanding Pdcd4's complex regulation and cell-specific functions is crucial for its therapeutic application.
  • Further research into Pdcd4 is warranted to fully exploit its potential in cancer treatment.

More Related Videos

Reprogramming Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma to Pluripotency07:08

Reprogramming Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma to Pluripotency

Published on: February 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...