Function and regulation of MTA1 and MTA3 in malignancies of the female reproductive system

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2014 Dec;33(4):943-51. doi: 10.1007/s10555-014-9520-6.

Abstract

The family of metastasis-associated (MTA) genes is a small group of transcriptional co-regulators which are involved in various physiological functions, ranging from lymphopoietic cell differentiation to the development and maintenance of epithelial cell adhesions. By recruiting histone-modifying enzymes to specific promoter sequences, MTA proteins can function both as transcriptional repressors and activators of a number of cancer-relevant proteins, including Snail, E-cadherin, signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (STATs), and the estrogen receptor. Their involvement in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and regulatory interactions with estrogen receptor activity has made MTA proteins highly interesting research candidates, especially in the field of hormone-sensitive breast cancer and malignancies of the female reproductive tract. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the function and regulation of MTA1 and MTA3 proteins in gynecological cancer, including ovarian, endometrial, and cervical tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / genetics*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology
  • Histone Deacetylases / biosynthesis
  • Histone Deacetylases / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators

Substances

  • MTA3 protein, human
  • MTA1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Histone Deacetylases