Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Type IVA Member 3 (PTP4A3), also known as PRL-3, is a prenylated protein tyrosine phosphatase involved in removing phosphate groups from tyrosine residues in proteins. It plays a crucial role in cellular processes like growth, movement, and invasion. PTP4A3 is known to accelerate the transition from the G1 to S phase during cell division. Primarily found in heart muscle cells and skeletal muscle, it is also present in the pancreas. Notably, PTP4A3 is frequently overexpressed in metastatic colon cancer and liver metastases originating from colorectal cancer. Its elevated expression is associated with tumor development and spread, making it a key player in the progression of colorectal, ovarian, liver, and skin cancers. PTP4A3 is believed to contribute to cardiac hypertrophy by hindering the mobilization of intracellular calcium in response to angiotensin II. Furthermore, its activity can be inhibited by compounds like sodium orthovanadate and peroxovanadium compounds.
PTP4A3 is part of a small class of prenylated PTPs, which means it undergoes a post-translational modification where a lipid group is added to the protein. This modification is important for the protein’s localization to the cell membrane, where it can interact with other signaling molecules . The primary functions of PTP4A3 include:
PTP4A3 has been extensively studied for its role in cancer, particularly in metastasis. It has been found to be overexpressed in various types of cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . The overexpression of PTP4A3 is associated with:
Given its role in cancer progression and metastasis, PTP4A3 is considered a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target. High expression levels of PTP4A3 can serve as an indicator of poor prognosis in cancer patients, making it a valuable marker for predicting patient outcomes . Additionally, targeting PTP4A3 with specific inhibitors could potentially reduce cancer cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness, offering a new avenue for cancer therapy.