biostudies-literatureUnknown13(1)Mourtada JThe human Dickkopf (DKK) family includes four main secreted proteins, DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, as well as the DKK-3 related protein soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, and especially modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-3 is distinct, with its multifaceted roles in development, stem cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Intriguingly, DKK-3 appears to have immunomodulatory functions and a complex role in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the context. DKK-3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target that can be modulated by epigenetic reactivation, gene therapy and DKK-3-blocking agents. However, further research is needed to optimize DKK-3-based therapies. In this rCells75https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10778571biostudies-literatureThe Multifaceted Role of Human Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in Development, Immune Modulation and Cancer.PMC10778571Wasylyk BMourtada JThibaudeau CJung ACfalseThe Multifaceted Role of Human Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in Development, Immune Modulation and Cancer.The human Dickkopf (DKK) family includes four main secreted proteins, DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, as well as the DKK-3 related protein soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, and especially modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-3 is distinct, with its multifaceted roles in development, stem cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Intriguingly, DKK-3 appears to have immunomodulatory functions and a complex role in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the context. DKK-3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target that can be modulated by epigenetic reactivation, gene therapy and DKK-3-blocking agents. However, further research is needed to optimize DKK-3-based therapies. In this r2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Dec2025-04-19T18:59:08.143Z2025-04-19T18:59:08.143ZS-EPMC107785713820127910.3390/cells13010075