The transcription factor RUNX2 is the osteogenic master gene expressed in mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenic commitment as well as in pre-osteoblasts and early osteoblasts.However,RUNX2 is also ectopically expre...The transcription factor RUNX2 is the osteogenic master gene expressed in mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenic commitment as well as in pre-osteoblasts and early osteoblasts.However,RUNX2 is also ectopically expressed in melanoma and other cancers.Malignant melanoma(MM)is a highly metastatic skin cancer.The incidence of MM has increased considerably in the past half-century.The expression levels and mutation rates of genes such as BRAF,KIT,NRAS,PTEN,P53,TERT and MITF are higher in melanoma than in other solid malignancies.Additionally,transcription factors can affect cellular processes and induce cellular transformation since they control gene expression.Recently,several studies have identified alterations in RUNX2 expression.In particular,the regulation of KIT by RUNX2 and the increased expression of RUNX2 in melanoma specimens have been shown.Melanocytes,whose transformation results in melanoma,arise from the neural crest and therefore show"stemness"features.RUNX2 plays an important role in the re-activation of the MAPK and PI-3K/AKT pathways,thus endowing melanoma cells with a high metastatic potential.In melanoma,the most frequent metastatic sites are the lung,liver,brain and lymph nodes.In addition,bone metastatic melanoma has been described.Notably,studies focusing on RUNX2may contribute to the identification of an appropriate oncotarget in melanoma.展开更多
Autophagy in eukaryotic cells is a constitutive process and functions as a homeostatic mechanism; it is up-regulated in response to specific stress stimuli such as starvation, hypoxia and as oxidative stress. In addit...Autophagy in eukaryotic cells is a constitutive process and functions as a homeostatic mechanism; it is up-regulated in response to specific stress stimuli such as starvation, hypoxia and as oxidative stress. In addition to playing a crucial role in adaptive responses to different stimuli, autophagy is also required for intracellular quality control. This second aspect is important to prevent the activation of pathological processes. Autophagy also plays a central role in cellular development and differentiation because it is involved in the regulation of energetic balance. This final aspect is critical for maintaining proper bone and muscle function as well as to prevent any pathological changes. Therefore, identifying new molecular targets involved in autophagy is critical to assure a good quality of life.展开更多
文摘The transcription factor RUNX2 is the osteogenic master gene expressed in mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenic commitment as well as in pre-osteoblasts and early osteoblasts.However,RUNX2 is also ectopically expressed in melanoma and other cancers.Malignant melanoma(MM)is a highly metastatic skin cancer.The incidence of MM has increased considerably in the past half-century.The expression levels and mutation rates of genes such as BRAF,KIT,NRAS,PTEN,P53,TERT and MITF are higher in melanoma than in other solid malignancies.Additionally,transcription factors can affect cellular processes and induce cellular transformation since they control gene expression.Recently,several studies have identified alterations in RUNX2 expression.In particular,the regulation of KIT by RUNX2 and the increased expression of RUNX2 in melanoma specimens have been shown.Melanocytes,whose transformation results in melanoma,arise from the neural crest and therefore show"stemness"features.RUNX2 plays an important role in the re-activation of the MAPK and PI-3K/AKT pathways,thus endowing melanoma cells with a high metastatic potential.In melanoma,the most frequent metastatic sites are the lung,liver,brain and lymph nodes.In addition,bone metastatic melanoma has been described.Notably,studies focusing on RUNX2may contribute to the identification of an appropriate oncotarget in melanoma.
文摘Autophagy in eukaryotic cells is a constitutive process and functions as a homeostatic mechanism; it is up-regulated in response to specific stress stimuli such as starvation, hypoxia and as oxidative stress. In addition to playing a crucial role in adaptive responses to different stimuli, autophagy is also required for intracellular quality control. This second aspect is important to prevent the activation of pathological processes. Autophagy also plays a central role in cellular development and differentiation because it is involved in the regulation of energetic balance. This final aspect is critical for maintaining proper bone and muscle function as well as to prevent any pathological changes. Therefore, identifying new molecular targets involved in autophagy is critical to assure a good quality of life.
