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14-3-3sigma, the double-edged sword of human cancers

Zhaomin Li1, Jing-Yuan Liu, Jian-Ting Zhang

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.

American Journal of Translational Research
|December 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

14-3-3sigma, a protein involved in DNA damage response, acts as a double-edged sword in cancer. Its varied roles in tumor suppression and treatment resistance highlight its complex impact on cancer progression and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • 14-3-3sigma is a conserved protein found in eukaryotes.
  • It functions as a molecular chaperone, influencing cell cycle and apoptosis.
  • Its expression levels vary in human cancers, impacting prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of 14-3-3sigma in human cancers.
  • To explore its function as a molecular chaperone in DNA damage response.
  • To understand its implications in cancer progression and treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of studies on 14-3-3sigma expression in various cancers.
  • Investigation of its role in cellular processes like cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • 14-3-3sigma exhibits context-dependent roles, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a factor promoting resistance.
  • Reduced expression is observed in some cancers, while increased expression correlates with resistance to DNA-damaging agents and poor prognosis.
  • Its chaperone activity is crucial for its function in DNA damage response pathways.

Conclusions:

  • 14-3-3sigma acts as a double-edged sword in human cancers.
  • Its complex role necessitates further investigation for targeted therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding 14-3-3sigma's functions is key to improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
14-3-3σdrug resistanceexpression regulationmetastasisprognosistumorigenesis

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