Discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 3 (DLG3)

Discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 3 (DLG3, also known as SAP102) is a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of scaffold proteins. It contains PDZ, SH3, and inactive guanylate kinase domains arranged in tandem, which together create a supramodule critical for the clustering of membrane receptors (notably NMDA receptors) and organization of cell junctions in neurons and epithelial tissues. DLG3 mediates signal transduction, regulation of cell polarity, and intracellular trafficking of signaling complexes. In cancer biology, it acts as a tumor suppressor in some contexts (notably in glioblastoma and through inhibition of migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer). It also plays a role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly influencing the polarization and activity of tumor-associated macrophages. While associated with sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, DLG3 is not itself a therapeutic drug target or receptor.

Other names

SAP102Neuroendocrine-dlg (NEDLG)Discs large homolog 3 (DLG3)

Not directly targeted by drugs; functions as a scaffold regulating membrane receptor localization and downstream pathways (e.g., its downregulation leads to PI3K/AKT pathway activation in breast cancer).