The role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in cancers

Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase family member of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks). MLK3 has been implicated in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis depending on the cellular contexts. Notwithstanding the involvement of MLK3 in several cancers, the precise roles of MLK3 are not completely understood. This review evaluates the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with MLK3, which play a major role in malignancies that include breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric and prostate cancer. Since early detection of cancer is critical, this review discusses the potential of MLK3 as a predictive biomarker, which could likely help in clinical decision-making. Importantly, the efficacy of targeting MLK3 via different therapeutic approaches is also explored.