Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3)

Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3/WAVE3) is a cytoplasmic adaptor protein that plays a critical role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton. It forms part of a multiprotein complex that links receptor kinases with the machinery responsible for actin polymerization via its C-terminal verprolin homology domain. This enables it to control changes in cell shape, motility, migration, and invasion—processes fundamental both for normal physiology and pathological states such as tumor progression. Overexpression or dysregulation of WASF3/WAVE3 has been implicated as a driver of metastasis across multiple cancers—including breast (especially triple-negative), pancreatic, prostate, liver, and ovarian cancers—by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhancing migratory/invasive capacity while also correlating with poor patient outcomes. Additionally, recent studies suggest roles outside oncology; notably its overexpression may contribute to exercise intolerance seen in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome through disruption of mitochondrial respiration pathways.

Other names

WASF3WAVE3Brush-1SCAR3WAS protein family member 3WASP family member 3

Inhibition or knockdown of WAVE3 suppresses cell migration and invasion by affecting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and actin polymerization machinery