Targeting DEK and TGF-β Signaling in Gynecologic Disease and Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives
A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 1
Special Issue Editors
Interests: fibronectin in cancer metastasis; extracellular matrix; circulating tumor cells; cell–cell adhesion; anti-metastatic strategies; tumor microenvironments; immunosurveillance against cancer metastasis; dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26)
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will explore the multifaceted roles of DEK, a chromatin-binding oncogene, and the TGF-β signaling pathway in the development and progression of gynecologic diseases and malignancies, with particular emphasis on cervical cancer, endometriosis, and uterine myomas. Both DEK and TGF-β are independently implicated in key cellular processes such as proliferation, DNA repair, immune modulation, fibrosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, recent findings suggest potential crosstalk between DEK expression and TGF-β signaling, offering novel insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
This Issue aims to consolidate current knowledge on DEK as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and TGF-β receptor inhibition strategies (e.g., LY364947) as potential treatments. We invite original research and reviews that address molecular pathways, drug discovery, biomarker development, and patient-specific models. Contributions that explore the intersection of oncology and benign gynecologic disease, or investigate combinatorial therapeutic approaches targeting the DEK–TGF-β axis, are particularly encouraged.
Prof. Dr. Hung-Chi Cheng
Dr. Anastasia Tsigkou
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- DEK oncogene
- TGF-β signaling
- cervical cancer
- endometriosis
- uterine myomas
- cancer biomarkers
- epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)
- SMAD2/3 phosphorylation
- LY364947
- targeted therapy
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