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Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
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The Janus Face of sFRP4 in Cancer: From Mechanistic Complexity to Therapeutic Potential

Lingqun Yu1, Fei Fang1, Minpu Zhang2

  • 1College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261000, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) has a complex role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. Understanding its context-dependent functions is key for developing targeted cancer therapies and biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) traditionally viewed as a Wnt antagonist with tumor-suppressive roles.
  • Emerging evidence highlights a complex, context-dependent function of sFRP4 in cancer.
  • sFRP4's dual role can be influenced by tumor type, molecular characteristics, and the microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structural features, regulation, and signaling of sFRP4.
  • To discuss the diverse roles of sFRP4 across various malignancies.
  • To examine sFRP4's potential in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of sFRP4's structure, regulation, and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of context-dependent effects of sFRP4 in different cancer types.
  • Evaluation of sFRP4's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Results:

  • sFRP4 exhibits context-specific functions, acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter.
  • Its role is modulated by tumor type, molecular subtype, epigenetics, and microenvironment.
  • sFRP4 influences cancer progression and may be involved in systemic metabolic regulation.

Conclusions:

  • The functional heterogeneity of sFRP4 necessitates a nuanced understanding for clinical applications.
  • Clarifying sFRP4's context-specific behavior can refine its utility as a biomarker.
  • Mechanism-informed strategies are needed to leverage sFRP4 for precise therapeutic interventions.
Keywords:
Wnt signalingcancerepigenetic regulationfunctional dualitysFRP4

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