Targeting the BMX in cancer: molecular mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies

Bone Marrow Tyrosine Kinase on Chromosome X (BMX), also known as epithelial/endothelial cell kinase (ETK), is a core member of the Tec family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Structurally, BMX kinase contains an N-terminal PH domain, a BH domain, a SH2 domain, a SH3 domain and a C-terminal catalytic tyrosine kinase domain. This distinctive modular architecture enables BMX to engage in diverse cellular signalling cascades. It has been reported that BMX is highly expressed and plays an oncogenic role in various cancers. In this paper, we mainly explore the function and mechanism of BMX in tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, cancer stem cell properties, angiogenesis and drug resistance. Furthermore, the research focus on summarising the research progress of BMX inhibitors for cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a theoretical framework for cancer therapy by targeting BMX.