Modulation of Protein phosphatase 1 complexes: a promising approach in cancer treatment

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the numerous therapeutic options available, tumor heterogeneity and chemoresistance have limited their success and the development of an effective anticancer therapy remains a major challenge in oncology research. The serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and its complexes have been recognized as potential drug targets. Although research on the modulation of PP1 complexes is currently at an early stage, there is an immense potential. Chemically diverse compounds have been developed to disrupt or stabilize different PP1 complexes in various cancer types with the objective to inhibit disease progression. Beneficial results obtained in vitro now require further pre-clinical and clinical validation. In conclusion, the modulation of PP1 complexes seems to be a promising, albeit challenging, therapeutic strategy for cancer.