14-3-3 σ: A potential biomolecule for cancer therapy

As more studies have focused on the function of 14-3-3 proteins, their role in tumor progression has gradually improved. In the 14-3-3 protein family, 14-3-3 sigma is the protein that is most associated with tumor occurrence and development. In some malignancies, 14-3-3 sigma acts as a tumor suppressor via p53 and tumor suppressor genes. In most tumors, 14-3-3 sigma overexpression increases resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and mediates the G2-M checkpoint after DNA damage. Although 14-3-3 sigma overexpression has been closely associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancer, its role in gallbladder and nasopharyngeal cancer remains less clear. As such, the function of 14-3-3 sigma in specific cancer types needs to be further clarified. It has been hypothesized that a role may be related to its molecular chaperone function combined with various protein ligands. In this review, we examine the role of 14-3-3 sigma in tumor development and drug resistance. We discuss the potential of targeting 14-3-3 sigma regulators in cancer therapy and treatment.