Signal Peptide-CUB-EGF-like Domain-Containing Protein 3 (SCUBE3): From Molecule to Therapy

SCUBE3 is a multifunctional protein involved in various diseases, including several cancers, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and alopecia. It is upregulated in cancers like lung, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, and breast cancer, promoting tumor growth and metastasis, making it a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker. In contrast, it acts as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma. SCUBE3 is also linked to hair growth, with recombinant SCUBE3 protein inducing significant hair growth in mice, suggesting its potential in alopecia treatment. Despite its therapeutic promise, targeting SCUBE3 is challenging due to its diverse roles across different tissues, necessitating further research to develop selective inhibitors and understand its mechanisms.