Diaphanous-related formin 3 (DIAPH3)

Diaphanous-related formin 3 (DIAPH3) is a cytoskeletal regulatory protein and member of the formin family, functioning primarily as an actin nucleation and elongation factor[5]. It catalyzes the assembly of F-actin structures crucial for processes such as cytokinesis, cellular movement, and adhesion[1][3][5]. DIAPH3 operates in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, linking Rho GTPase signaling to cytoskeletal rearrangement and transcriptional responses[5]. It is a key modulator of the transition between mesenchymal and amoeboid cell phenotypes, suppressing the invasive amoeboid phenotype and thereby functioning as a metastasis suppressor in several cancers[4]. Mutations or loss of DIAPH3 are associated with increased tumor invasiveness and with autosomal dominant auditory neuropathy[5]. DIAPH3 is a prognostic biomarker in cancer, especially for metastatic risk, and is emerging as a potential target for therapies that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics[1][4][5]. Drugs directly targeting DIAPH3 are not yet defined.

Other names

DIAP3DRF3FLJ34705ANNSDANmDia2AUNA1DIA2diap3MDia2protein diaphanous homolog 3diaphanous homolog 3

Inhibitors (potential): Disrupt actin polymerization or formin-Rho GTPase interactions (no approved drugs or clinical candidates are described in sources)