Transcription factor Dp family member 3 (TFDP3)

Transcription factor Dp family member 3 (TFDP3) is a member of the DP family of transcription factors and functions primarily by forming heterodimers with members of the E2F family, though its DNA binding activity as a TFDP3/E2F1 complex is limited compared to other DPs[1][5][7]. TFDP3 acts as a negative regulator of E2F-driven cell cycle progression and apoptosis, inhibiting E2F1 transcriptional activation by modulating E2F1 access to chromatin and reducing its DNA-binding activity[1][5][7]. In contrast to other family members (TFDP1/2), which are broadly expressed, TFDP3 is primarily restricted to the testis in normal tissue but is abnormally expressed in several cancers, classifying it as a cancer/testis antigen[1][2][5][6]. It also plays roles in the induction of autophagy independent of E2F activity, contributing to cancer cell survival under stress and resistance to chemotherapy[2]. TFDP3 is being investigated as a potential immunotherapy target and cancer biomarker due to its restricted healthy tissue expression, immunogenicity, and role in tumor progression and drug resistance[1][2][5].

Other names

DP4HCA661CT30E2F-like proteincancer/testis antigen 30hepatocellular carcinoma-associated antigen 661

Inhibition of E2F1-mediated transcriptional activity, which results in suppression of cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Induction of autophagy potentially contributes to drug resistance.