Tissue selectivity in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-associated tumorigenesis

Ana Gracanin, Koen M A Dreijerink, Rob B. Van Der Luijt, Cornelis J M Lips, Jo W M Höppener

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The phenotype of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome cannot be explained solely by the expression pattern of the predisposing gene MEN1 and its encoded protein, menin. This reviewaddress es putative factors determining MEN1-associated tissue-selective tumorigenesis. Menin's interaction with mixed-lineage leukemia protein-containing histone methyl transferase (MLL-HMT) complex mediates tissue-selective tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting effects of menin, and as such could be decisive for the predisposition of individual tissues to MEN1-associated tumorigenesis. In tissues in which menin acts as a tumor suppressor, tumorigenesis could depend on the inability of such tissues to adequately compensate for MEN1 gene loss, whereas the variable clinical presentation of MEN1 in individual patients could be a reflection of additional epigenetic factors and/or modifier genes. Further research on this topic may facilitate development of novel therapeutic strategies that could prevent or delay the onset of MEN1-associated tumorigenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6371-6374
Number of pages4
JournalCancer research
Volume69
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2009

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