Advances in TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (TiPARP/PARP7) research: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic applications.

PARP7 (TiPARP), a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (mono-ART), was initially identified as a target gene of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activated by dioxin exposure. PARP7 has recently attracted significant attention due to its central role in tumor immune evasion as a key negative regulator of the type I interferon (IFN-Ⅰ) signaling; its inhibition demonstrates potent immune-mediated antitumor effects. Several small-molecule inhibitors of PARP7 have demonstrated excellent immune antitumor effects. Furthermore, PARP7 also regulates various other signaling pathways through its specific H-Y-I catalytic triad sequence that catalyzes mono-ADP-ribosylation modifications mainly at cysteine residues of substrate proteins. It preferentially modifies various transcription factors and regulatory proteins, including the AHR, Fos-related antigen-1 (FRA1), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), and sex hormone receptors, affecting their stability and activity. The important functions of PARP7 in liver metabolism, adipogenesis, and antiviral immunity will also be discussed. This systematic review of the multiple roles of PARP7 in developing tumors and other diseases will provide prospects for breakthrough applications of targeting this protein.