# Mechanisms of MTA3 in cancer and related diseases and its clinical applications

**Authors:** Yan Tang, Xiao-Jiao Li, Hui Ao, Qian-Guo Liu, Xiao-Fu Zheng, Chang-Li Liao, Jun Li, Yong-Kang Wu

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1731799 · Frontiers in Oncology · 2026-01-09

## TL;DR

This review explores how MTA3, a protein involved in cancer and diseases, functions in the body and its potential for clinical use.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of MTA3's dual roles in cancer and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

## Key findings

- MTA3 regulates cell differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism through epigenetic modifications.
- MTA3 acts as both an oncogene and tumor suppressor depending on the disease context.
- MTA3 shows promise as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

## Abstract

Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3), a key member of the MTA family, is an integral component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex, with widespread expression across diverse human tissues and organs. By modulating epigenetic modifications, MTA3 is instrumental in regulating vital physiological processes, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. It plays a crucial role in maintaining normal tissue homeostasis and exerts a significant regulatory influence on pathological conditions, notably cancer and other diseases. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of the molecular structural characteristics and biological functions of MTA3, providing a detailed overview of its mechanistic role in tumorigenesis and disease progression. Its unique tissue-specific expression patterns and dual functional roles as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, depending on the cellular and disease context, are highlighted. Moreover, by integrating recent research advancements, the feasibility and potential clinical translational value of using MTA3 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target in developing novel disease intervention strategies, are evaluated in this review. This study aimed to establish a robust theoretical foundation and provide novel research perspectives to support future endeavors focused on improving patient outcomes by precisely modulating MTA3 activity.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** MTA3 (metastasis associated 1 family member 3) [NCBI Gene 57504]
- **Proteins:** MTA3 (metastasis associated 1 family member 3)
- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MTA3 (metastasis associated 1 family member 3) [NCBI Gene 57504]
- **Diseases:** cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12827195/full.md

## References

131 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12827195/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12827195