Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 3 (PBX3)

Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 3 (PBX3) is a member of the TALE (Three Amino acid Loop Extension) homeobox family of transcription factors, encoded by the PBX3 gene on human chromosome 9[1][4][6]. PBX3 acts as a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcriptional activator, regulating diverse biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system differentiation, and gene expression in adult tissues[1][3][6]. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, especially hematological cancers like leukemia, and functions as a pro-tumorigenic factor in some contexts by repressing tumor suppressor pathways (such as p53)[5][6]. PBX3 also has emerging roles in inflammatory responses and sepsis, where its knockdown reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and improves survival in animal models[2]. There are currently no approved drugs specifically targeting PBX3; research has primarily focused on experimental RNA-based knockdown strategies. Elevated PBX3 expression may serve as a biomarker in specific cancers and inflammatory diseases[3][5].

Other names

PBX3PBX homeobox 3Homeobox protein PBX3Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3

Inhibition of PBX3 (e.g., by siRNA) reduces inflammatory signaling, decreases cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6) release, and attenuates HMGB1-mediated endothelial disruption in experimental models. Targeting PBX3 may suppress tumor progression via modulation of transcription, including p53 pathway regulation.