WD repeat domain 4 in tumorigenesis: Molecular mechanisms, cancer-type specific roles, and therapeutic potential

WD repeat domain 4 (WDR4) is an essential member of the WD-repeat protein family, known for its regulatory roles in cellular processes critical to cancer development, including RNA modification, protein stability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Studies have shown that WDR4 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis across various cancer types, with a particular focus on breast cancer in this study, where its overexpression is closely associated with aggressive tumor characteristics and poorer patient outcomes. As a scaffold protein, WDR4 is involved in N7-methylguanosine tRNA methylation and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, thereby regulating RNA stability, protein synthesis, and cell survival. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of WDR4’s molecular mechanisms, its oncogenic functions across different cancer types, and its interactions with other key factors in the tumor microenvironment, further exploring its potential role in tumor progression. As research on WDR4 progresses, we not only gain a deeper understanding of its complex role in tumor biology but also uncover new therapeutic avenues. In particular, the potential of WDR4 as a biomarker and therapeutic target is increasingly recognized. Despite the challenges faced in its clinical application, such as the difficulty in developing targeted therapies and managing side effects, the future prospects of WDR4 in cancer diagnosis and treatment remain promising, and it is expected to emerge as an effective therapeutic target in the near future.