F-box in breast cancer: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women globally.
• F-box proteins are crucial components of the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, regulating protein degradation.
• These proteins are implicated in critical oncogenic processes, including breast cancer stem cell maintenance, metastasis, and therapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of F-box proteins in breast cancer.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting F-box proteins in breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advances in F-box protein research in breast cancer.
• Analysis of F-box protein classification, functions, and roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
• Overview of current therapeutic strategies targeting F-box proteins, including small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and RNA interference (RNAi).

Main Results:

• F-box proteins exhibit diverse roles, acting as oncogenes (e.g., SKP2, FBXL10) or tumor suppressors (e.g., FBXW7, FBXO15).
• Some F-box proteins (e.g., FBXO11, FBXO22) have context-dependent or dual roles.
• F-box proteins are involved in breast cancer stem cell maintenance, metastasis, and therapy resistance.

Conclusions:

• F-box proteins are critical regulators in breast cancer pathogenesis.
• Their diverse functions and involvement in key oncogenic processes make them promising therapeutic targets.
• Targeted therapies, including SMIs and RNAi, are under investigation for breast cancer treatment.