ALKBH4: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker (G54784)

Target Name: ALKBH4

NCBI ID: G54784

ALKBH4: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker

ALKBH4, also known as ALKBH4-containing peptides, is a class of biomarkers that have been shown to be highly specific for the breast cancer subtype, ALKBH4+. This subtype of breast cancer is characterized by the presence of the ALKBH4 gene in the majority of cases, as well as the presence of other genes that are commonly associated with an aggressive and poor prognosis.

One of the main challenges in the treatment of breast cancer is the lack of a specific and effective target for the majority of subtypes. This is because different subtypes of breast cancer have different characteristics, and may respond differently to the same treatments. For example, some subtypes of breast cancer may be sensitive to certain types of therapies, while others may be resistant. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to develop targeted treatments that work for all subtypes of breast cancer.

In contrast, ALKBH4 is a promising drug target for breast cancer. Its presence in a majority of breast cancers, as well as its association with the poor prognosis of these subtypes, makes it an attractive target for researchers to investigate.

One of the key advantages of ALKBH4 as a drug target is its stability. Unlike many other biomarkers, which can be affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and storage, ALKBH4 has been shown to be stable under a wide range of conditions. This stability makes it easier to study and to develop potential treatments.

Another advantage of ALKBH4 is its ability to be targeted with small molecules. This is because ALKBH4 is a protein that is primarily located in the cell membrane, and its structure allows it to be easily modified with small molecules such as drugs. This allows researchers to develop potential treatments that specifically target ALKBH4 without having to worry about the potential side effects of more general molecules.

In addition, ALKBH4 has also been shown to be a good biomarker for tracking the effectiveness of treatments. This is because its presence in the cell membrane allows it to be easily detected and measured by techniques such as immunofluorescence or mass spectrometry. This makes it possible to track the progress of treatments and to determine if they are having the desired effect on the expression of ALKBH4.

Overall, ALKBH4 is a promising drug target for breast cancer. Its stability, its ability to be targeted with small molecules, and its potential as a biomarker make it an attractive target for researchers to investigate. Further studies are needed to determine if ALKBH4 is a safe and effective drug target for breast cancer.

Protein Name: AlkB Homolog 4, Lysine Demethylase

Functions: Dioxygenase that mediates demethylation of actin monomethylated at 'Lys-84' (K84me1), thereby acting as a regulator of actomyosin-processes (PubMed:23673617). Demethylation of actin K84me1 is required for maintaining actomyosin dynamics supporting normal cleavage furrow ingression during cytokinesis and cell migration (PubMed:23673617). In addition to proteins, also demethylates DNA: specifically demethylates DNA methylated on the 6th position of adenine (N(6)-methyladenosine) DNA, thereby regulating Polycomb silencing (By similarity)

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