Protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA member 3 (PTP4A3)

Protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA member 3 (PTP4A3, also known as PRL-3) is a member of the small prenylated protein tyrosine phosphatase family. It enhances cell proliferation, motility, and invasive behavior through its role in cell signaling pathways that regulate the cell cycle, especially progression from G1 into S phase. PTP4A3 is commonly overexpressed in several cancers, where its high expression is associated with tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and poor prognosis. It is under investigation as a prognostic biomarker and as a molecular target for novel anticancer therapeutics.

Other names

PRL-3Phosphatase of regenerating liver-3PTP(CAAX)3

Small molecule inhibitors aim to block the protein’s phosphatase activity, thus inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, motility, and metastasis. Targeting the protein reduces phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules involved in cancer progression.