[IKZF3/Aiolos and tumors]

Aiolos is a member of the Ikaros zinc-finger protein family and is encoded by the Ikaros family zinc finger 3 (IKZF3) gene. Aiolos not only plays a crucial role in controlling the normal differentiation and proliferation of lymphocytes, but studies have also found that it exhibits abnormally high expression in the early stages of the onset and development of multiple tumors. It influences the biological behavior of tumor cells not only by regulating tumor invasion and metastasis through mediating signaling pathways such as 66-kilodalton Src homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein (p66Shc), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/Twist, cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene, interferon regulatory factor 4, B-cell receptor, and nuclear factor kappa B, but also the instability of its gene affects tumor therapy, drug resistance, and patient prognosis. This suggests that IKZF3 is a good biological indicator for tumors and may become a new therapeutic target for tumors. A systematic elaboration of the latest research progress on the IKZF3 gene structure, physiological functions, tumor regulation, and treatment resistance can provide reference and scientific basis for future tumor therapy.