IGFBP3 modulation of tumor pathogenesis and cell signaling pathways (Review).

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) is the primary carrier of circulating insulin-like growth factors and is the most extensively studied protein among the six high-affinity insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. Alterations in IGFBP3 at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels may contribute to the occurrence and progression of tumors. The present review focused on the changes in expression levels of IGFBP3 in tumors, as well as the relationship between the activation and inhibition of associated cell signaling pathways, and alterations in cellular biological behavior, aiming to provide a reference for the precise treatment of tumors.