DPP4, a potential tumor biomarker, and tumor therapeutic target: review

Mol Biol Rep. 2025 Jan 16;52(1):126. doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-10235-6.

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a serine protease widely distributed in membrane-bound and soluble forms in various tissues and organs throughout the body. DPP4 plays a role in inflammation, immune regulation, cell growth, migration and differentiation. The role of DPP4 in tumors has garnered increasing attention. Previous research has demonstrated that DPP4 contributes to the promotion of cancer in most cancers, and it may play a specific biological function through the variation in tumor cell types and expression forms. However, the expression of DDP4 in different tumor types and its specific mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we describe the structure of DPP4, summarize the recent research progress of its expression and potential mechanisms in common tumors, and discuss the development prospects of DPP4 inhibitors in tumor therapy. Although current research emphasizes the potential of DPP4 as a drug target, the incomplete understanding of its regulatory mechanisms impedes the discovery and development of new therapies against it. Further research on DPP4-related tumors is anticipated to promote its clinical application as a potential therapeutic target.

Keywords: DPP4; DPP4 inhibitors; Therapeutic target; Tumor biomarker.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / metabolism
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4* / metabolism
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DPP4 protein, human
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors