DUSP4 in Colorectal Cancer: A Mini Review of Expressions, Functions, Mechanisms

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) participate in signaling pathways triggered by diverse stimuli, including stress, growth factors, and autoantibodies. Activated MAPKs play essential roles in multiple cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and immune and stress responses. Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) belong to the family of protein tyrosine phosphatases and use MAPKs as the main substrates. DUSPs exhibit physiological and pathological activities by affecting cell growth, metastasis, and death. Increasing evidence has revealed that DUSPs play essential roles in tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. As a vital member of DUSPs, DUSP4 has potent regulatory functions in tumors by mediating proliferation, growth, metastasis, autophagy, apoptosis, and therapeutic sensitivity. Recently, studies have suggested that DUSP4 is significantly altered in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is involved in its development. In this study, we will review the expression characteristics of DUSP4 in patients with CRC and will also summarize the associated cellular functions and molecular mechanisms. We hope this study provides a reference for developing novel therapeutic strategies against CRC.