Dual specificity protein phosphatase 3 (DUSP3)

Dual specificity protein phosphatase 3 (DUSP3), also known as Vaccinia H1-related phosphatase (VHR), is a small enzyme of the dual specificity phosphatase family that can dephosphorylate both phosphoserine/threonine and phosphotyrosine residues within proteins[1][3]. DUSP3 acts as a negative regulator of several MAP kinases, including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, thereby modulating signal transduction pathways linked to cell proliferation and differentiation[1][2][4]. Uniquely, it regulates cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair mechanisms, and genomic stability, partly through interactions with substrates such as nucleophosmin (NPM) and p53[2]. Its expression and function have been linked to tumorigenesis, acting either as a tumor suppressor or as a promoter depending on cancer type and context[5]. While DUSP3 is a recognized enzyme target in signal transduction and oncology research, there are currently no approved drugs specifically targeting it, and its use as a diagnostic or therapeutic marker remains under investigation[2][5].

Other names

Dual specificity phosphatase 3VHRVaccinia H1-related phosphataseDual specificity protein phosphatase VHRserine/threonine specific protein phosphatasevaccinia H1-related phosphatasevaccinia virus phosphatase VH1-relatedDUSP3

Inhibitor of kinase signaling via dephosphorylation of phosphoserine/threonine and phosphotyrosine on target kinases (e.g., MAPKs)