Transcription factor Sp3 (Sp3)

Transcription factor Sp3 is a ubiquitously expressed zinc finger transcription factor, highly similar to Sp1, that binds GC- and GT-boxes in gene promoters and regulates gene expression by acting as both an activator and repressor[1][2][3]. It belongs to the Sp/Krüppel-like factor family and is encoded by the SP3 gene in humans[3]. Sp3 plays roles in embryonic development, cell growth, immune responses, and cancer progression; knockout studies show that it is essential for postnatal survival and proper differentiation of tissues such as teeth in mice[1]. Overexpression of Sp3 has been implicated in a variety of cancers, where it promotes proliferation, survival, and invasiveness[4][6][7]. Sp3 has several isoforms generated from alternative translational initiation sites, with distinct regulatory activities[2][3]. While many anticancer drugs can downregulate Sp3 in preclinical models, there are currently no approved drugs that specifically target Sp3 in the clinic[4][6][7].

Other names

Specificity protein 3SP3transcription factor Sp3

Inhibition or downregulation of Sp3 leads to reduced cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion\nRNA interference or small molecules that induce degradation/downregulation of Sp3 contribute to anti-tumor effects[4][6][7]