Abstract
Fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K), a deglycating enzyme originally studied in the
context of diabetes, has recently emerged as a pivotal modulator of redox
homeostasis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. FN3K catalyzes the removal of
early glycation adducts, thereby stabilizing redox-sensitive proteins such as
Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcriptional
regulator of antioxidant defense. This review explores the evolving role of FN3K
in tumor metabolism, highlighting its expression patterns across cancer types,
structural features amenable to therapeutic targeting, and mechanistic interplay
with the Nrf2 pathway. Emphasis is placed on FDA-approved drugs with
FN3K-modulatory potential, evaluated through computational modeling, docking
simulations, and structure – activity insights. The analysis reveals a dual
opportunity: to repurpose redox-active agents as FN3K inhibitors and to exploit
FN3K as a biomarker for redox stratification in precision oncology. Despite
promising in silico data and preclinical correlations, challenges remain –
particularly in achieving target selectivity, overcoming structural limitations,
and validating pharmacodynamic markers. Addressing these barriers through
integrated translational strategies could unlock FN3K as a tractable node in
redox-driven cancer therapy.
Keywords
fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K) - redox homeostasis - Nrf2 signaling - cancer metabolism
- drug repurposing - deglycation - computational modeling - precision oncology