Fenofibrate-mediated inhibition of tumor proliferation and progression by modulating the PTPN14/MARK3/Hippo signaling axis

PTPN14 is a non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase that functions as a tumor suppressor through negative regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway, making it a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential, no PTPN14-targeting drugs have been developed to date. In this study, we discovered fenofibrate (FF), a small-molecule commonly used as a lipid-lowering agent, exhibits potent anti-proliferative and anti-migratory properties. Mechanistically, FF was found to directly bind the PPxY motif of PTPN14, facilitating formation of a complex with LATS1 and MARK3, which promotes cytoplasmic sequestration of YAP. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of PTPN14 or pharmacological inhibition of MARK3 substantially abolished the FF-mediated inhibition of malignant phenotypes, indicating the critical role of the PTPN14/MARK3/Hippo signaling axis in tumor progression. Notably, our findings demonstrate that FF enhances the antitumor effects of conventional chemotherapeutics in melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma. These results establish PTPN14 as a therapeutically actionable target and expand the clinical potential of FF beyond its metabolic applications, offering a novel strategy for cancer treatment.