Role of F-box proteins in human upper gastrointestinal tumors

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer 2024-01, Vol.1879 (1), p.189035-189035, Article 189035
• Main Authors: Zhang, Che, Pan, Guangzhao, Qin, Jiang-Jiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: E3 ubiquitin ligase; F-box protein; F-Box Proteins - genetics; F-Box Proteins - metabolism; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - genetics; Humans; Ubiquitin; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases - genetics; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases - metabolism; Ubiquitination; Ubiquitins - metabolism; Upper gastrointestinal cancer
• ISSN: 0304-419X; 1879-2561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189035

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. •F-box family members are promising as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in upper gastrointestinal tumors.•The functions of F-box proteins in upper gastrointestinal tumors and their molecular mechanisms are systematically discussed.•The relationships between F-box proteins and drug resistance are worth exploring for upper gastrointestinal tumors.