MPP3: A Potential Drug Target for Melanoma (G4356)

Target Name: MPP3

NCBI ID: G4356

MPP3: A Potential Drug Target for Melanoma

MPP3, or melanoma-associated protein 3, is a protein that is expressed in various tissues and cell types, including melanocytes, immune cells, and neural cells. It is known for its role in the development and progression of melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. While the exact mechanism by which MPP3 contributes to melanoma development is not fully understood, research has shown that it plays a critical role in the regulation of cell proliferation and survival.

MPP3 is a 20-kDa protein that is expressed in various tissues, including the skin, hair, nails, and lymphoid organs. It is a member of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family, which includes proteins that are involved in cell growth, survival, and angiogenesis. MPP3 is characterized by a long extracellular domain that is involved in several interactions with other proteins, including the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

One of the most significant functions of MPP3 is its role in the regulation of cell proliferation. MPP3 has been shown to play a negative role in the growth and survival of various cancer cell types, including melanoma cells. For example, studies have shown that inhibiting the activity of MPP3 can significantly reduce the growth and survival of melanoma cells in cell culture and animal models. This suggests that MPP3 may be a potential drug target or biomarker for melanoma.

Another function of MPP3 is its role in cell survival. MPP3 has been shown to promote the survival of various cell types by regulating cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is a natural mechanism that helps cells remove damaged or dysfunctional parts and prevent the spread of disease. In the context of cancer, MPP3 has been shown to promote the survival of melanoma cells by inhibiting cell apoptosis. This may contribute to the development of resistance to anti-cancer treatments in melanoma patients.

MPP3 has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form in response to increased blood flow. In cancer, MPP3 has been shown to promote the formation of new blood vessels, which can provide a source of oxygen and nutrients for cancer cells. This may contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells.

While the exact mechanism by which MPP3 contributes to melanoma development is not fully understood, it is clear that it plays a critical role in this disease. The identification of MPP3 as a potential drug target or biomarker for melanoma has the potential to improve our understanding of this disease and inform the development of new treatments.

In conclusion, MPP3 is a protein that has been shown to play a critical role in the development and progression of melanoma. Its functions in cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis make it an attractive target for drug development. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism by which MPP3 contributes to melanoma development, its potential as a drug target or biomarker is an exciting area of research that has the potential to improve outcomes for melanoma patients.

Protein Name: MAGUK P55 Scaffold Protein 3

Functions: Participates in cell spreading through the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway by connecting CADM1 to DLG1 and the regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) (PubMed:24503895). Stabilizes HTR2C at the plasma membrane and prevents its desensitization. May participates in the maintenance of adherens junctions (By similarity)

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