TRIB3, also known as tribbles pseudokinase 3, is a stress-responsive protein involved in multiple biological processes. It has been implicated in pathways such as the Wnt signaling pathway, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, and the STAT1-CXCL10 axis. TRIB3's functions span from regulating protein degradation to influencing autophagy, immune cell infiltration, and cancer cell malignancy, thus having significant biological importance. Genetic models, especially KO/CKO mouse models, play a crucial role in understanding its functions.

In NAFLD, Trib3-KO in mouse models showed that the TRIB3-TRIM8 complex is responsible for HNF4α degradation. Inhibiting the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction stabilized HNF4α protein levels and transcription factor activity, ameliorating NAFLD progression [1].

In colorectal cancer, genetic ablation of Trib3 increased T cell recruitment, sensitizing tumors to immune checkpoint blockade therapy by restoring the STAT1-CXCL10 axis [2].

In hepatic fibrosis, silencing Trib3 protected against experimentally induced fibrosis by restoring autophagy activity [3].

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, TRIB3 silencing promoted ferroptosis-induced cell death [4]. In CRC, knockdown of Trib3 in mice decreased colon neoplasia, CRC cell migration, and growth as xenograft tumors [5].

In conclusion, TRIB3 plays diverse and critical roles in various biological processes and disease conditions. Model-based research, especially using KO/CKO mouse models, has significantly contributed to understanding its functions in diseases like NAFLD, cancer, and hepatic fibrosis. These insights into TRIB3's functions may provide potential therapeutic targets for treating related diseases.