Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog in Non-neoplastic Digestive Disease: More Than Just Tumor Suppressor

Abstract

The Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene is one of the most important tumor suppressor genes, which acts through its unique protein phosphatase and lipid phosphatase activity. PTEN protein is widely distributed and exhibits complex biological functions and regulatory modes. It is involved in the regulation of cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration through a variety of signaling pathways. The role of PTEN in malignant tumors of the digestive system is well documented. Recent studies have indicated that PTEN may be closely related to many other benign processes in digestive organs. Emerging evidence suggests that PTEN is a potential therapeutic target in the context of several non-neoplastic diseases of the digestive tract. The recent discovery of PTEN isoforms is expected to help unravel more biological effects of PTEN in non-neoplastic digestive diseases.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 in inflammatory, cancer, and neurological diseases

“…Additionally, two independent studies that utilized the prostate cancer model in MKK7 knockout mice with MKK4 and Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deficiency showed rapid development of invasive adenocarcinoma ( Hubner et al, 2012 ; Atala 2013 ). PTEN is a phosphatase family member ( He et al, 2021 ). Mutations of this phosphatase gene are known in the development of many cancers, including prostate cancer ( Li et al, 1997 ; He et al, 2021 ).…”

“…PTEN is a phosphatase family member ( He et al, 2021 ). Mutations of this phosphatase gene are known in the development of many cancers, including prostate cancer ( Li et al, 1997 ; He et al, 2021 ). On the other hand, MKK4, a kinase that works oppositive to phosphatases, has been found to have a loss of function mutation in 5% of human cancer ( Whitmarsh and Davis 2007 ) ( Table 1 ).…”

The complexity of phosphatase and tensin homolog hamartoma tumor syndrome: A case report

“…PTEN inhibits the PI3K-Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. 5 Reduced PTEN activity causes increased phosphorylation of various cell proteins, affecting processes of cell growth, migration, and death. 6 Overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway can result in the formation of benign and malignant tumors and overgrowth.…”

PTEN Overexpression Alters Autophagy Levels and Slows Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Fibrosis

“…Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene that exerts vital effects on cell growth, proliferation, migration, signal transmission, invasion, and apoptosis [ 14 ]. Existing studies have also demonstrated that abnormal PTEN expression is associated with non-neoplastic disease [ 15 ]. Activation of pro-fibrotic signaling pathways through PTEN may lead to fibrosis in the liver, lung, and kidney tissues [ 16 , 17 ].…”