Dual specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6)

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)

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.