Phosphodiesterase 4 as a candidate therapeutic target of cancer

Abstract

In this review, we explore the potential of cAMP-Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), a key intracellular enzyme, as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. cAMP-PDEs play a critical role in regulating intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an essential second messenger involved in cell proliferation and metastasis in a tissue-specific manner depending on the PDE isoforms present. Elevated PDE4 expression has been reported in cancers such as breast, cervical, and lung cancer. Specific PDE4 subtypes are recognized for their roles in cancer progression, making PDE4 inhibitors promising candidates for therapeutic intervention. This review examines the role of PDE4 in cancer progression and highlights the therapeutic potential of studied PDE4 inhibitors.