14-3-3 proteins--an update

14-3-3 is a highly conserved acidic protein family, composed of seven isoforms in mammals. 14-3-3 protein can interact with over 200 target proteins by phosphoserine-dependent and phosphoserine-independent manners. Little is known about the consequences of these interactions, and thus are the subjects of ongoing studies. 14-3-3 controls cell cycle, cell growth, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, migration and spreading. Recent studies have revealed new mechanisms and new functions of 14-3-3, giving us more insights on this fascinating and complex family of proteins. Of all the seven isoforms, 14-3-3sigma seems to be directly involved in human cancer. 14-3-3sigma itself is subject to regulation by p53 upon DNA damage and by epigenetic deregulation. Gene silencing of 14-3-3sigma by CpG methylation has been found in many human cancer types. This suggests that therapy-targeting 14-3-3sigma may be beneficial for future cancer treatment.