Slingshot protein phosphatase 3 (SSH3)

Slingshot protein phosphatase 3 (SSH3) is a member of the slingshot phosphatase family, encoded by the SSH3 gene on chromosome 11q13.2. SSH3 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that regulates actin filament dynamics by dephosphorylating and reactivating ADF/cofilin proteins, which are crucial mediators of cytoskeleton reorganization. SSH3 functions downstream of integrin and Rac1 signaling and modulates cell polarity and migration, notably during wound closure and in tumor cell invasion. Upregulation of SSH3 promotes tumor cell motility, invasion, and metastasis, particularly in colorectal and liver cancers, by facilitating cytoskeleton remodeling via interaction with LIMK1 and Rac1. While SSH3 is not yet a direct drug target, its expression may serve as a biomarker for tumor progression and metastasis. Disruption of SSH3 function, however, could potentially impact normal actin-mediated cellular processes, presenting a safety concern for future therapeutic approaches.

Other names

SSH3LSSH-3LhSSH-3LFLJ20515FLJ10928SSH-like protein 3slingshot homolog 3SSH3_HUMAN

Not established for SSH3-targeting agents. Hypothetical mechanisms would involve inhibition or modulation of SSH3 phosphatase activity affecting actin dynamics.