The RUNX1 transcription factor is a critical regulator of normal haematopoiesis and its functional disruption by point mutations, deletions or translocations is a major causative factor leading to leukaemia. In the majority of cases, genetic changes in RUNX1 are linked to loss of function classifying it broadly as a tumour suppressor. Despite this, several recent studies have reported the need for a certain level of active RUNX1 for the maintenance and propagation of acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells, suggesting an oncosupportive role of RUNX1. Furthermore, in solid cancers, RUNX1 is overexpressed compared with normal tissue, and RUNX factors have recently been discovered to promote growth of skin, oral, breast and ovarian tumour cells, amongst others. RUNX factors have key roles in stem cell fate regulation during homeostasis and regeneration of many tissues. Cancer cells appear to have corrupted these stem cell-associated functions of RUNX factors to promote oncogenesis. Here, we discuss current knowledge on the role of RUNX genes in stem cells and as oncosupportive factors in haematological malignancies and epithelial cancers.
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone released by the atrium in response to stretching forces. ANP, which maintains cardiovascular homeostasis via its diuretic, natriuretic and hypotensive effects, acts through its receptor, GC-A. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Miura et al. (pages 1897–1918) established mouse immortalized endothelial cells stably expressing GC-A (SVEC/GC-A) and found that ANP promotes cell spreading and endothelial barrier function via regulation of CCM2, an adaptor protein involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations, a neurovascular disease characterized by dysfunction of the endothelial barrier. The image shows ANP promotes co-localization of GC-A (green) and CCM2 (red) at membrane ruffles in SVEC/GC-A. Image kindly provided by Koichi Miura
RUNX transcription factors at the interface of stem cells and cancer
Elitza Deltcheva, Rachael Nimmo; RUNX transcription factors at the interface of stem cells and cancer. Biochem J 1 June 2017; 474 (11): 1755–1768. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20160632
Download citation file:
Sign in
Sign in to your personal account
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.