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Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Fluorescence-based Monitoring of PAD4 Activity via a Pro-fluorescence Substrate Analog
Published on: November 5, 2014
Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4), a novel therapy target for metabolic diseases besides cancer
Kaikai Lu1, Qian Chen1, Mengda Li1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) is originally described as a tumor suppressor gene that exerts antineoplastic effects by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Several investigations have probed the aberrant expression of PDCD4 with the progression of metabolic diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. It has been ascertained that PDCD4 causes glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders to regulate the progression of metabolic diseases. This review aims to summarize the latest researches to uncover the structure, expression regulation, and biological functions of PDCD4 and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of the development of tumors and metabolic diseases. This review has emphasized the understanding of the PDCD4 role and to provide new ideas for the research, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors and metabolic diseases.
Insights
Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) is a tumor suppressor involved in apoptosis and inhibiting cancer progression. Aberrant PDCD4 expression is linked to metabolic diseases, impacting glucose and lipid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) is a known tumor suppressor.
- PDCD4 influences apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
- Aberrant PDCD4 expression is increasingly linked to metabolic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, expression, and function of PDCD4.
- To elucidate PDCD4's regulatory mechanisms in cancer and metabolic diseases.
- To provide insights for diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on PDCD4.
- Analysis of PDCD4's role in tumor suppression.
- Examination of PDCD4's involvement in metabolic disease pathways.
Main Results:
- PDCD4 regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota.
- PDCD4's dual role in cancer and metabolic disease pathogenesis is highlighted.
- Understanding PDCD4's mechanisms offers therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- PDCD4 is a critical regulator in both oncogenesis and metabolic homeostasis.
- Further research into PDCD4 pathways can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
- PDCD4 represents a promising target for treating tumors and metabolic diseases.
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