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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Dual specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6)
- Target
- DUSP6
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Protein phosphatase, Dual specificity phosphatase, MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) family
01
Overview
Dual specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a cytoplasmic phosphatase that specifically inactivates ERK1/2 MAP kinases by dephosphorylating threonine and tyrosine residues, thereby negatively regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and immune response. It acts as a key intracellular signal regulator, showing both tumor-suppressive and pro-oncogenic activities depending on tissue context. DUSP6 is implicated in various diseases, notably different cancer types and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, and is a candidate for therapeutic targeting and biomarker use.
- Other names
- DUSP6MKP-3 (mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 3)
02
Mechanism of action
Drugs targeting DUSP6 would typically act by altering its phosphatase activity—either inhibiting or enhancing its ability to dephosphorylate ERK/MAPKs, and thereby modulating downstream signaling.
03
Biological functions
Signal transduction (via dephosphorylation of MAPKs)Regulation of cell proliferationCell differentiationCell survivalCellular responses to extracellular stimuliImmune response and regulation
04
Disease associations
Cancer (role varies: tumor-suppressive in some cancers, pro-oncogenic in others)Chemoresistance and chemoresponsivenessNeurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease; involved in amyloid plaque clearance)Other: maintenance of cancer stem-like cell phenotype
05
Safety considerations
Therapeutic challenges include dual, context-dependent roles (tumor suppressor vs oncogene); specificity of small molecule modulators remains a concern.Potential for off-target effects due to its regulation of broad MAPK signaling pathways.
06
Interacting drugs
No widely approved drugs are known to selectively target DUSP6 in clinical use; however, DUSP6 is being investigated as a potential target for cancer therapeutics and biomarker development. Small-molecule modulators (inhibitors and activators) have been studied in preclinical contexts.
07
Biomarkers
DUSP6 gene expression and protein levels are being explored as biomarkers for prognostic or predictive purposes in cancers and other diseases.May serve as a biomarker for responsiveness to MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitors.
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