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Deciphering 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4: from molecular insights to cancer therapeutics
Meng-Bin Liao1,2, Andy T Y Lau3,2, Yan-Ming Xu4,5
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4), abundantly present in the peroxisomal regions of mammalian cells, is an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the oxidoreduction of steroid substrates. Impairment of lipid metabolism represents one of the most critical metabolic alterations in cancer, with lipid metabolic processes tightly linked to tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis. HSD17B4 is primarily involved in the regulation of cellular fatty acid and hormone metabolism. Therefore, HSD17B4 is closely related to tumors, but few relevant studies exist. Polymorphisms and methylation of the HSD17B4 gene, as well as acetylation of the HSD17B4 protein, influence its expression and function, impacting cancer progression and therapeutic response. Recent findings also highlight HSD17B4 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in various cancers. Here, we will discuss the latest literature on human HSD17B4 and its clinical implications.
Insights
17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4) is crucial for lipid and hormone metabolism. This review explores HSD17B4
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4) is a peroxisomal oxidoreductase regulating steroid, fatty acid, and hormone metabolism.
- Altered lipid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer, influencing proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis.
- HSD17B4's role in cancer is significant but understudied, despite its involvement in key metabolic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on human HSD17B4.
- To discuss the molecular mechanisms linking HSD17B4 to cancer progression.
- To highlight HSD17B4's potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HSD17B4 in human cancers.
- Analysis of genetic (polymorphisms, methylation) and post-translational (acetylation) modifications of HSD17B4.
- Synthesis of findings on HSD17B4's impact on cancer cell behavior and therapeutic response.
Main Results:
- HSD17B4 influences cancer progression through its roles in lipid and hormone metabolism.
- Genetic and epigenetic alterations of HSD17B4 impact its expression and function in tumors.
- HSD17B4 exhibits potential as a biomarker for cancer prognosis and a target for novel therapies.
Conclusions:
- HSD17B4 is a key player in cancer metabolism with significant clinical implications.
- Targeting HSD17B4 may offer new therapeutic strategies for various cancers.
- Further research into HSD17B4's functions and regulation is warranted for its clinical application.
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