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PDE4 subtypes in cancer

Oncogene volume 39, pages 3791–3802 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) break down cyclic nucleotides such as cAMP and cGMP, reducing the signaling of these important intracellular second messengers. Several unique families of phosphodiesterases exist, and certain families are clinically important modulators of vasodilation. In the current work, we have summarized the body of literature that describes an emerging role for the PDE4 subfamily of phosphodiesterases in malignancy. We have systematically investigated PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C, and PDE4D isoforms and found evidence associating them with several cancer types including hematologic malignancies and lung cancers, among others. In this review, we compare the evidence examining the functional role of each PDE4 subtype across malignancies, looking for common signaling themes, signaling pathways, and establishing the case for PDE4 subtypes as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

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Fig. 1: A model for the role of PDE4 in the promotion of angiogenesis.
Fig. 2: Literature screening process.

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed equally: Samuel Hsien Lai, Guston Zervoudakis

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

    Samuel Hsien Lai, Guston Zervoudakis, Jesse Chou & Kelly M. Quesnelle

  2. Tetra Therapeutics, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Mark E. Gurney

Authors
  1. Samuel Hsien Lai
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  2. Guston Zervoudakis
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  3. Jesse Chou
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  4. Mark E. Gurney
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  5. Kelly M. Quesnelle
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Correspondence to Kelly M. Quesnelle.

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MG is an employee of Tetra Discovery Partners, Inc. that has a financial interest in the discovery and development of PDE4B and PDE4D allosteric inhibitors for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and other CNS disorders.

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Hsien Lai, S., Zervoudakis, G., Chou, J. et al. PDE4 subtypes in cancer. Oncogene 39, 3791–3802 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-020-1258-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-020-1258-8

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