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Zhang C, Pan G, Qin JJ. Role of F-box proteins in human upper gastrointestinal tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189035. [PMID: 38049014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination and degradation is an essential physiological process in almost all organisms. As the key participants in this process, the E3 ubiquitin ligases have been widely studied and recognized. F-box proteins, a crucial component of E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulates diverse biological functions, including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis by facilitating the degradation of substrate proteins. Currently, there is an increasing focus on studying the role of F-box proteins in cancer. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the significant contributions of F-box proteins to the development of upper gastrointestinal tumors, highlighting their dual roles as both carcinogens and tumor suppressors. We delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of F-box proteins in upper gastrointestinal tumors, exploring their interactions with specific substrates and their cross-talks with other key signaling pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of F-box proteins in radiotherapy resistance in the upper gastrointestinal tract, emphasizing their potential as clinical therapeutic and prognostic targets. Overall, this review provides an up-to-date understanding of the intricate involvement of F-box proteins in human upper gastrointestinal tumors, offering valuable insights for the identification of prognostic markers and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Zhang
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guangzhao Pan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China.
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2
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Mieczkowski K, Kitowska K, Braun M, Galikowska-Bogut B, Gorska-Arcisz M, Piasecka D, Stawiski K, Zaczek AJ, Nejc D, Kordek R, Romanska HM, Sadej R. FGF7/FGFR2-JunB signalling counteracts the effect of progesterone in luminal breast cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:2823-2842. [PMID: 35726195 PMCID: PMC9348598 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)‐mediated signalling alters progesterone receptor (PR) activity and response of oestrogen receptor α (ER)‐positive (ER+) breast cancer (BCa) cell lines to anti‐ER agents. Little is known about whether the crosstalk between ER and PR, shown to be modulated by the hormonal background, might also be affected by FGFR2. Here, PR‐dependent behaviour of ER+ BCa cells was studied in the presence of oestrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) and/or FGF7. In vitro analyses showed that FGF7/FGFR2 signalling: (a) abolished the effect of P4 on E2‐promoted 3D cell growth and response to tamoxifen; (b) regulated ER and PR expression and activity; (c) increased formation of ER–PR complexes; and (d) reversed P4‐triggered deregulation of ER‐dependent genes. Analysis of clinical data demonstrated that the prognostic value of FGFR2 varied between patients with different menopausal status; that is, high expression of FGFR2 was significantly associated with longer progression‐free survival (PFS) in postmenopausal patients, whereas there was no significant association in premenopausal patients. FGFR2 was found to positively correlate with the expression of JunB proto‐oncogene, AP‐1 transcription factor subunit (JUNB), an ER‐dependent gene, only in premenopausal patients. Molecular analyses revealed that the presence of JunB was a prerequisite for FGFR2‐mediated abrogation of P4‐induced inhibition of cell growth. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the FGF7/FGFR2–JunB axis abolishes the modulatory effects of PR on ER‐associated biological functions in premenopausal ER+ BCa. This may provide foundations for a better selection of patients for FGFR‐targeting therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Mieczkowski
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kamila Kitowska
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marcin Braun
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Galikowska-Bogut
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Gorska-Arcisz
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dominika Piasecka
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Konrad Stawiski
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna J Zaczek
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Nejc
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Radzisław Kordek
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Hanna M Romanska
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafal Sadej
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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3
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Cunningham DL, Sarhan AR, Creese AJ, Larkins KPB, Zhao H, Ferguson HR, Brookes K, Marusiak AA, Cooper HJ, Heath JK. Differential responses to kinase inhibition in FGFR2-addicted triple negative breast cancer cells: a quantitative phosphoproteomics study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7950. [PMID: 32409632 PMCID: PMC7224374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) dependent signalling is frequently activated in cancer by a variety of different mechanisms. However, the downstream signal transduction pathways involved are poorly characterised. Here a quantitative differential phosphoproteomics approach, SILAC, is applied to identify FGF-regulated phosphorylation events in two triple- negative breast tumour cell lines, MFM223 and SUM52, that exhibit amplified expression of FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) and are dependent on continued FGFR2 signalling for cell viability. Comparative Gene Ontology proteome analysis revealed that SUM52 cells were enriched in proteins associated with cell metabolism and MFM223 cells enriched in proteins associated with cell adhesion and migration. FGFR2 inhibition by SU5402 impacts a significant fraction of the observed phosphoproteome of these cells. This study expands the known landscape of FGF signalling and identifies many new targets for functional investigation. FGF signalling pathways are found to be flexible in architecture as both shared, and divergent, responses to inhibition of FGFR2 kinase activity in the canonical RAF/MAPK/ERK/RSK and PI3K/AKT/PDK/mTOR/S6K pathways are identified. Inhibition of phosphorylation-dependent negative-feedback pathways is observed, defining mechanisms of intrinsic resistance to FGFR2 inhibition. These findings have implications for the therapeutic application of FGFR inhibitors as they identify both common and divergent responses in cells harbouring the same genetic lesion and pathways of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie L Cunningham
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Adil R Sarhan
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Nasiriyah Technical Institute, Southern Technical University, Nasiriyah, 6400, Iraq
| | - Andrew J Creese
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Immunocore, 101 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | - Hongyan Zhao
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Harriet R Ferguson
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Katie Brookes
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Anna A Marusiak
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Helen J Cooper
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - John K Heath
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Pérez-Benavente B, Nasresfahani AF, Farràs R. Ubiquitin-Regulated Cell Proliferation and Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1233:3-28. [PMID: 32274751 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38266-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin ligases (E3) play a crucial role in the regulation of different cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation via recognition, interaction, and ubiquitination of key cellular proteins in a spatial and temporal regulated manner. The type of ubiquitin chain formed determines the fate of the substrates. The ubiquitinated substrates can be degraded by the proteasome, display altered subcellular localization, or can suffer modifications on their interaction with functional protein complexes. Deregulation of E3 activities is frequently found in various human pathologies, including cancer. The illegitimated or accelerated degradation of oncosuppressive proteins or, inversely, the abnormally high accumulation of oncoproteins, contributes to cell proliferation and transformation. Anomalies in protein abundance may be related to mutations that alter the direct or indirect recognition of proteins by the E3 enzymes or alterations in the level of expression or activity of ubiquitin ligases. Through a few examples, we illustrate here the complexity and diversity of the molecular mechanisms related to protein ubiquitination involved in cell cycle regulation. We will discuss the role of ubiquitin-dependent degradation mediated by the proteasome, the role of non-proteolytic ubiquitination during cell cycle progression, and the consequences of this deregulation on cellular transformation. Finally, we will highlight the novel opportunities that arise from these studies for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosa Farràs
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
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Zitouni S, Méchali F, Papin C, Choquet A, Roche D, Baldin V, Coux O, Bonne-Andrea C. The stability of Fbw7α in M-phase requires its phosphorylation by PKC. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183500. [PMID: 28850619 PMCID: PMC5574586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fbw7 is a tumor suppressor often deleted or mutated in human cancers. It serves as the substrate-recruiting subunit of a SCF ubiquitin ligase that targets numerous critical proteins for degradation, including oncoproteins and master transcription factors. Cyclin E was the first identified substrate of the SCFFbw7 ubiquitin ligase. In human cancers bearing FBXW7-gene mutations, deregulation of cyclin E turnover leads to its aberrant expression in mitosis. We investigated Fbw7 regulation in Xenopus eggs, which, although arrested in a mitotic-like phase, naturally express high levels of cyclin E. Here, we report that Fbw7α, the only Fbw7 isoform detected in eggs, is phosphorylated by PKC (protein kinase C) at a key residue (S18) in a manner coincident with Fbw7α inactivation. We show that this PKC-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of Fbw7α also occurs in mitosis during human somatic cell cycles, and importantly is critical for Fbw7α stabilization itself upon nuclear envelope breakdown. Finally, we provide evidence that S18 phosphorylation, which lies within the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region specific to the α-isoform reduces the capacity of Fbw7α to dimerize and to bind cyclin E. Together, these findings implicate PKC in an evolutionarily-conserved pathway that aims to protect Fbw7α from degradation by keeping it transiently in a resting, inactive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Zitouni
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francisca Méchali
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Papin
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS, UMR 9002, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Armelle Choquet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Daniel Roche
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Biologie Computationnelle, LIRMM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Véronique Baldin
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Coux
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Bonne-Andrea
- Centre de Recherche de Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, UMR 5237, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
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Zheng N, Zhou Q, Wang Z, Wei W. Recent advances in SCF ubiquitin ligase complex: Clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1866:12-22. [PMID: 27156687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
F-box proteins, which are subunit recruiting modules of SCF (SKP1-Cullin 1-F-box protein) E3 ligase complexes, play critical roles in the development and progression of human malignancies through governing multiple cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Moreover, there are emerging studies that lead to the development of F-box proteins inhibitors with promising therapeutic potential. In this article, we describe how F-box proteins including but not restricted to well-established Fbw7, Skp2 and β-TRCP, are involved in tumorigenesis. However, in-depth investigation is required to further explore the mechanism and the physiological contribution of undetermined F-box proteins in carcinogenesis. Lastly, we suggest that targeting F-box proteins could possibly open new avenues for the treatment and prevention of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zheng
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Quansheng Zhou
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA 02215, USA.
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Abstract
Rapidly accumulating data indicate that F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (Fbxw7) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers and regulates a network of crucial oncoproteins. These studies have generated important new insights into tumorigenesis and may soon enable therapies targeting the Fbxw7 pathway. We searched PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases (1973-2015, especially recent 5 years) for articles published in the English language using the key words "Fbxw7," "Fbw7," "hCDC4," and "Sel-10," and we reviewed recent developments in the search for Fbxw7. Fbxw7 coordinates the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of several critical cellular regulators, thereby controlling essential processes, such as cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. Fbxw7 contains 3 isoforms (Fbxw7α, Fbxw7β, and Fbxw7γ), and they are differently regulated in subtract recognition. Besides those, Fbxw7 activity is controlled at different levels, resulting in specific and tunable regulation of the abundance and activity of its substrates in a variety of human solid tumor types, including glioma malignancy, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma as well as colorectal, lung, breast, gastric, liver, pancreatic, renal, prostate, endometrial, and esophageal cancers. Fbxw7 is strongly associated with tumorigenesis, and the mechanisms and consequences of Fbxw7 deregulation in cancers may soon enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- From the Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute (JC, Z-QL); and Department of Surgical Oncology, Zhejiang Province Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China (JC, M-HG)
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Ponticos M, Papaioannou I, Xu S, Holmes AM, Khan K, Denton CP, Bou-Gharios G, Abraham DJ. Failed degradation of JunB contributes to overproduction of type I collagen and development of dermal fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:243-53. [PMID: 25303440 PMCID: PMC4312903 DOI: 10.1002/art.38897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, including type I collagen, is a key aspect in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). To further our understanding of the mechanisms governing the dysregulation of type I collagen production in SSc, we investigated the role of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors in regulating COL1A2 transcription. METHODS The expression and nuclear localization of AP-1 family members (c-Jun, JunB, JunD, Fra-1, Fra-2, and c-Fos) were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in dermal biopsy specimens and explanted skin fibroblasts from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and healthy controls. Gene activation was determined by assessing the interaction of transcription factors with the COL1A2 enhancer using transient transfection of reporter gene constructs, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, and RNA interference involving knockdown of individual AP-1 family members. Inhibition of fibroblast mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathways was achieved using small-molecule pharmacologic inhibitors. RESULTS Binding of JunB to the COL1A2 enhancer was observed, with its coalescence directed by activation of gene transcription through the proximal promoter. Knockdown of JunB reduced enhancer activation and COL1A2 expression in response to transforming growth factor β. In SSc dermal fibroblasts, increased mTOR/Akt signaling was associated with inactivation of GSK-3β, leading to blockade of JunB degradation and, thus, constitutively high expression of JunB. CONCLUSION In patients with SSc, the accumulation of JunB resulting from altered mTOR/Akt signaling and a failure of proteolytic degradation underpins the aberrant overexpression of type I collagen. These findings identify JunB as a potential target for antifibrotic therapy in SSc.
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Abstract
FBW7 (F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7) or Fbxw7 is a tumor suppressor, which promotes the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of numerous oncoproteins including Mcl-1, Cyclin E, Notch, c- Jun, and c-Myc. In turn, FBW7 is regulated by multiple upstream factors including p53, C/EBP-δ, EBP2, Pin1, Hes-5 and Numb4 as well as by microRNAs such as miR-223, miR-27a, miR-25, and miR-129-5p. Given that the Fbw7 tumor suppressor is frequently inactivated or deleted in various human cancers, targeting FBW7 regulators is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy.
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