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TMPRSS4, a type II transmembrane serine protease, as a potential therapeutic target in cancer
Semi Kim1,2
1Microbiome Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejon, 34141, Korea. semikim@kribb.re.kr.
Abstract:
Proteases are involved in almost all biological processes, implying their importance for both health and pathological conditions. Dysregulation of proteases is a key event in cancer. Initially, research identified their role in invasion and metastasis, but more recent studies have shown that proteases are involved in all stages of cancer development and progression, both directly through proteolytic activity and indirectly via regulation of cellular signaling and functions. Over the past two decades, a novel subfamily of serine proteases called type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) has been identified. Many TTSPs are overexpressed by a variety of tumors and are potential novel markers of tumor development and progression; these TTSPs are possible molecular targets for anticancer therapeutics. The transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), a member of the TTSP family, is upregulated in pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, lung, thyroid, prostate, and several other cancers; indeed, elevated expression of TMPRSS4 often correlates with poor prognosis. Based on its broad expression profile in cancer, TMPRSS4 has been the focus of attention in anticancer research. This review summarizes up-to-date information regarding the expression, regulation, and clinical relevance of TMPRSS4, as well as its role in pathological contexts, particularly in cancer. It also provides a general overview of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TTSPs.
Insights
Type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) are crucial in cancer. The TMPRSS4 protease is upregulated in many cancers, correlating with poor prognosis, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Proteases are vital in biological processes and implicated in various pathologies.
- Dysregulated protease activity is a hallmark of cancer development and progression.
- Type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) represent a novel subfamily of proteases with significant roles in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expression, regulation, and clinical relevance of TMPRSS4 in cancer.
- To explore the role of TMPRSS4 in pathological contexts, particularly cancer.
- To provide an overview of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TTSPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on TTSPs and TMPRSS4.
- Analysis of data on TMPRSS4 expression in various cancer types.
- Synthesis of information on the clinical significance and therapeutic potential of TMPRSS4.
Main Results:
- TMPRSS4 is overexpressed in multiple cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, lung, thyroid, and prostate.
- Elevated TMPRSS4 expression is frequently associated with poor patient prognosis.
- TMPRSS4 is recognized as a potential biomarker for tumor development and a target for anticancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- TMPRSS4 plays a significant role in cancer progression and is a promising target for novel anticancer therapeutics.
- Understanding TMPRSS4's function and regulation is critical for developing effective cancer treatments.
- TTSPs, including TMPRSS4, are integral to cancer biology and warrant further investigation.
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