Ankyrin Repeat and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Box (ASB) Family Members for Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

Abstract

Ankyrin repeat and suppressor of cytokine signaling box (ASB) protein family consists of 18 members. Functional domains composing of ankyrin repeat domain and SOCS box are two distinct features found associating with members of ASB family. The major function of ASBs is believed to be involving in proteasomal-mediated protein degradation, in which ASBs act as subunits of the E3 complexes in the ubiquitination process. Research on ASB family further reveals that some members of the ASB family are involving in physiological and even oncological processes. For cancers, ASB family members involve in a panel of cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is believed that the regulatory effect of each ASB is probably determined by the proteins that they targeted for proteasomal degradation, for instance, targeting oncogenes for tumor suppression and targeting tumor suppressors for tumor promotion. Apart from cancers, other members are discovered involving in various cellular processes, from angiogenesis to regulation of differentiation. Still, there are several ASBs with no defined functions. Further studies are therefore necessary to decipher the roles of these ASBs regarding their potential involvements in physiological and pathological processes.