Diverse functions of Tribbles homolog 3 in cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, driving research into targeted therapies and molecular pathways.
• The kinase superfamily, including pseudokinases, is critical in disease mechanisms and targeted drug development.
• Pseudokinases, particularly Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3), are increasingly recognized for their significant roles in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted functions of TRIB3 in different cancer types.
• To elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying TRIB3's roles in cancer.
• To discuss current TRIB3 inhibitors and agonists and evaluate its therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TRIB3 function in cancer.
• Analysis of molecular pathways and interacting proteins involved in TRIB3-mediated cancer progression.
• Examination of preclinical data on TRIB3-targeting peptide drugs, inhibitors, and agonists.

Main Results:

• TRIB3 influences key cancer hallmarks including tumor immunity, stemness, drug resistance, metabolism, and autophagy.
• Diverse interacting proteins and molecular pathways mediate TRIB3's varied functions across different cancers.
• Preclinical studies demonstrate high specificity for TRIB3-targeting peptide drugs, showing therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

• TRIB3 is a significant pseudokinase with diverse roles in cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
• Available TRIB3 inhibitors and agonists provide a foundation for developing novel anti-cancer strategies.
• Targeting TRIB3 offers a promising avenue for future cancer therapeutics due to its specificity and impact on critical cancer pathways.