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PKN3 as a key regulator in cancer - From signaling pathways to targeted therapies

Zi-Xuan Wang1, Jia-Le Wu1, Jie Chen1

  • 1Zhejiang Lishui Service Platform for Technological Innovations in Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China.

Bioorganic Chemistry
|July 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinase N3 (PKN3) is crucial for cell functions and its dysregulation drives cancer progression. Targeting PKN3 offers promising therapeutic strategies for malignancies like prostate and breast cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Protein kinases regulate cellular processes; their dysregulation is linked to diseases like cancer.
  • PKN3, a serine-threonine kinase, influences cytoskeletal dynamics, gene expression, and integrates signaling pathways.
  • PKN3 overexpression is observed in prostate and breast cancers, suggesting its oncogenic role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structural motifs and physiological roles of PKN3.
  • To analyze PKN3's involvement in various pathologies, particularly cancer.
  • To explore emerging therapeutic strategies targeting PKN3 for precision oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PKN3's function, regulation, and involvement in disease.
  • Analysis of PKN3's role in cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumor progression.
  • Examination of targeting strategies including RNA interference and small-molecule inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • PKN3 is overexpressed in malignancies and essential for tumor growth and metastasis.
  • PKN3 integrates signals from PI3K/PTEN and Wnt5a/Ror2 pathways.
  • Loss-of-function studies confirm PKN3's oncogenic dependency.

Conclusions:

  • PKN3 is a significant therapeutic target in oncology due to its role in cancer progression.
  • Targeting PKN3 holds translational potential for precision cancer therapies.
  • Further research into PKN3 inhibitors and RNAi strategies is warranted.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyInhibitorProtein kinase N (PKN) familyProtein kinase N3

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