Complex interplay between the RUNX transcription factors and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer: a tango in the night

Sweeney, K., Cameron, E. R. and Blyth, K. (2020) Complex interplay between the RUNX transcription factors and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer: a tango in the night. Molecules and Cells, 43(2), pp. 188-197. (doi: 10.14348/molcells.2019.0310) (PMID:32041394) (PMCID:PMC7057843)

Abstract

Cells are designed to be sensitive to a myriad of external cues so they can fulfil their individual destiny as part of the greater whole. A number of well-characterised signalling pathways dictate the cell's response to the external environment and incoming messages. In healthy, well-ordered homeostatic systems these signals are tightly controlled and kept in balance. However, given their powerful control over cell fate, these pathways, and the transcriptional machinery they orchestrate, are frequently hijacked during the development of neoplastic disease. A prime example is the Wnt signalling pathway that can be modulated by a variety of ligands and inhibitors, ultimately exerting its effects through the β-catenin transcription factor and its downstream target genes. Here we focus on the interplay between the threemember family of RUNX transcription factors with the Wnt pathway and how together they can influence cell behaviour and contribute to cancer development. In a recurring theme with other signalling systems, the genes and the Wnt pathway appear to operate within a series of feedback loops. genes are capable of directly and indirectly regulating different elements of the Wnt pathway to either strengthen or inhibit the signal. Equally, β-catenin and its transcriptional co-factors can control gene expression and together they can collaborate to regulate a large number of third party co-target genes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: K.S. is funded by Breast Cancer Now (2016NovPHD859); K.B. is funded by Cancer Research UK (C596/A17196).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blyth, Professor Karen and Cameron, Professor Ewan and Sweeney, Kerri
• Authors: Sweeney, K., Cameron, E. R., and Blyth, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Molecules and Cells
• Publisher: Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology
• ISSN: 1016-8478
• ISSN (Online): 0219-1032
• Published Online: 03 February 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology
• First Published: First published in Molecules and Cells 43(2): 188-197
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License