Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Non-Invasive Ultrasound Assessment of Endometrial Cancer Progression in Pax8-Directed Deletion of the Tumor Suppressors Arid1a and Pten in Mice
07:44

Non-Invasive Ultrasound Assessment of Endometrial Cancer Progression in Pax8-Directed Deletion of the Tumor Suppressors Arid1a and Pten in Mice

Published on: February 17, 2023

2.1K

A double-edged function of DDX3, as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, in cancer progression (Review)

Yu He1, Dan Zhang1, Yanfang Yang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China.

Oncology Reports
|January 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

DEAD-box RNA helicase 3 (DDX3) is crucial for RNA metabolism and cellular processes. This review explores DDX3

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • RNA Metabolism

Background:

  • DEAD-box RNA helicase 3 (DDX3) is a conserved protein family across eukaryotes.
  • DDX3 regulates critical RNA metabolic processes: splicing, export, transcription, and translation.
  • DDX3 participates in diverse biological functions including stress response, apoptosis, cell cycle, and viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual roles of DDX3 in cancer progression.
  • To elucidate DDX3-mediated signaling pathways in various cancers.
  • To discuss factors contributing to the controversial roles of DDX3 in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DDX3 function in cancer.
  • Analysis of DDX3-mediated signaling pathways.
  • Summary of small molecular compounds targeting DDX3.

Main Results:

  • DDX3 exhibits complex, dual roles in cancer development, acting as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor.
  • Specific signaling pathways modulated by DDX3 influence cancer progression.
  • Several small molecule inhibitors targeting DDX3 have been developed, with some progressing to clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • DDX3 plays a significant and multifaceted role in cancer, necessitating further investigation.
  • Understanding DDX3's complex functions and pathways is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.
  • Targeting DDX3 with small molecules shows promise for cancer treatment.

More Related Videos

Detection of Lung Tumor Progression in Mice by Ultrasound Imaging04:43

Detection of Lung Tumor Progression in Mice by Ultrasound Imaging

Published on: February 27, 2020

7.4K
Bioluminescent Orthotopic Model of Pancreatic Cancer Progression09:25

Bioluminescent Orthotopic Model of Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Published on: June 28, 2013

27.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
6.1K
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...
9.9K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
7.5K
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

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...
11.5K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.9K