The RUNX/CBFβ complex in breast cancer: a conundrum of context

Khan, A. S., Campbell, K. J., Cameron, E. R. and Blyth, K. (2023) The RUNX/CBFβ complex in breast cancer: a conundrum of context. Cells, 12(4), 641. (doi: 10.3390/cells12040641) (PMID:36831308) (PMCID:PMC9953914)

Abstract

Dissecting and identifying the major actors and pathways in the genesis, progression and aggressive advancement of breast cancer is challenging, in part because neoplasms arising in this tissue represent distinct diseases and in part because the tumors themselves evolve. This review attempts to illustrate the complexity of this mutational landscape as it pertains to the RUNX genes and their transcription co-factor CBFβ. Large-scale genomic studies that characterize genetic alterations across a disease subtype are a useful starting point and as such have identified recurring alterations in CBFB and in the RUNX genes (particularly RUNX1). Intriguingly, the functional output of these mutations is often context dependent with regards to the estrogen receptor (ER) status of the breast cancer. Therefore, such studies need to be integrated with an in-depth understanding of both the normal and corrupted function in mammary cells to begin to tease out how loss or gain of function can alter the cell phenotype and contribute to disease progression. We review how alterations to RUNX/CBFβ function contextually ascribe to breast cancer subtypes and discuss how the in vitro analyses and mouse model systems have contributed to our current understanding of these proteins in the pathogenesis of this complex set of diseases.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: A.S.K., K.J.C. and K.B. are core funded by Cancer Research UK (A29799) and Cancer Research UK (A31287).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Campbell, Dr Kirsteen and Blyth, Professor Karen and Cameron, Professor Ewan
• Authors: Khan, A. S., Campbell, K. J., Cameron, E. R., and Blyth, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Cells
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2073-4409
• ISSN (Online): 2073-4409
• Published Online: 16 February 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Cells 12(4): 641
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License