GOLPH3 and oncogenesis: What is the molecular link?

The Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is encoded by a gene that is located in a region of the human genome that is often amplified in different solid tumours. GOLPH3, an evolutionary conserved phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) binding protein, is mainly localised at trans Golgi network (TGN). It regulates several cellular functions like Golgi vesicular trafficking, Golgi glycosylation and mitochondrial cardiolipin production. Recently, GOLPH3 was discovered to be part of the DNA damage response signalling pathway, with a role in cell survival following DNA damage. In this review, we will explore the cellular functions regulated by GOLPH3 and discuss if and how they contribute to the oncogenic activity of this intriguing Golgi localized oncoprotein.