Scavenger receptor class A member 3 (SCARA3)

Scavenger receptor class A member 3 (SCARA3) is a cell surface receptor in the class A scavenger receptor family, encoded on chromosome 8p21.1. It participates primarily in the cellular response to oxidative stress and uptake of polyanionic ligands, and is induced by stressors such as UV irradiation, ionizing radiation, and various chemotherapeutic drugs. In cancer, SCARA3 has a context-dependent role: in multiple myeloma and other cancers, its upregulation provides protection against oxidative and drug-induced cytotoxicity, promoting chemotherapy resistance, while its downregulation is associated with increased tumor proliferation, metastatic potential, and poorer prognosis (as in lung cancer). Mechanistically, SCARA3 modulates key oncogenic pathways such as AKT and JNK, has antioxidant activity, and may act as a tumor suppressor gene. Expression or loss of SCARA3 has been proposed as a prognostic marker for selected cancers. Drugs modulating oxidative stress, such as dexamethasone, bortezomib, arsenic trioxide, and cisplatin, interact with SCARA3-related pathways, informing therapeutic strategies in resistant or aggressive tumor types[1][2][3].

Other names

CSRCSR1MSLR1MSRL1APC7Macrophage scavenger receptor-like 1Cellular stress response gene proteinCellular stress response protein

SCARA3 protects cells against oxidative stress and drug-induced cytotoxicity by scavenging ROS and related metabolites[2]. Inhibition of SCARA3 sensitizes myeloma and lung cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by reducing cellular protection against oxidative stress[1][2]. Overexpression increases sensitivity to cisplatin by modulating AKT and JNK signaling pathways[1].