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Molecular Insights of MAP4K4 Signaling in Inflammatory and Malignant Diseases

Sunil Kumar Singh1, Ruchi Roy2, Sandeep Kumar1,3

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Cancers
|May 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) signaling is vital in cell functions and diseases. This review explores MAP4K4

Area of Science:

  • Cellular signaling pathways
  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central to cellular signal transduction.
  • MAPK pathways involve sequential kinase activations: MAP3K, MAP2K, and MAPK.
  • MAP4K4, a MAP kinase kinase kinase kinase, activates MAP3K and influences cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of MAP4K4 in diseases.
  • To examine MAP4K4's involvement in cancer-associated cachexia.
  • To explore MAP4K4 as a potential target for novel therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MAP4K4 signaling.
  • Analysis of MAP4K4's function in various cellular responses.
  • Investigation of MAP4K4's role in both malignant and non-malignant conditions.

Main Results:

  • MAP4K4 is implicated in cell proliferation, transformation, migration, and inflammation.
  • Overexpression of MAP4K4 is common in glioblastoma, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
  • MAP4K4 contributes to cancer-associated cachexia and has a pro-survival role in malignancies.

Conclusions:

  • MAP4K4 is a significant mediator in diverse diseases, including cancer.
  • Understanding MAP4K4's functions is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
  • MAP4K4 presents a promising target for future cancer treatments and cachexia management.
Keywords:
MAP4K4cancerimmunityinflammationmitogen-activated protein kinase

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