Targeting Moonlighting Enzymes in Cancer

Moonlighting enzymes are multifunctional proteins that perform multiple functions beyond their primary role as catalytic enzymes. Extensive research and clinical practice have demonstrated their pivotal roles in the development and progression of cancer, making them promising targets for drug develo...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chunxu Lin, Mingyang Yu, Ximei Wu, Hui Wang, Min Wei, Luyong Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-04-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/7/1573
Description
Summary:Moonlighting enzymes are multifunctional proteins that perform multiple functions beyond their primary role as catalytic enzymes. Extensive research and clinical practice have demonstrated their pivotal roles in the development and progression of cancer, making them promising targets for drug development. This article delves into multiple notable moonlighting enzymes, including GSK-3, GAPDH, and ENO1, and with a particular emphasis on an enigmatic phosphatase, PTP4A3. We scrutinize their distinct roles in cancer and the mechanisms that dictate their ability to switch roles. Lastly, we discuss the potential of an innovative approach to develop drugs targeting these moonlighting enzymes: target protein degradation. This strategy holds promise for effectively tackling moonlighting enzymes in the context of cancer therapy.
ISSN:1420-3049