Regulation of CLU gene expression by oncogenes and epigenetic factors implications for tumorigenesis.
In no other field has the function of clusterin (CLU) been more controversial than in cancer genetics. After more than 20 years of research, there is still uncertainty with regard to the role of CLU in human cancers. Some investigators believe CLU to be an oncogene, others-an inhibitor of tumorigenesis. However, owing to the recent efforts of several laboratories, the role of CLU in important cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and transformation is beginning to emerge. The "enigmatic" CLU is becoming less so. In this chapter, we will review the work of research teams interested in understanding how CLU is regulated by oncogenic signaling. We will discuss how and under what circumstances oncogenes and epigenetic factors modify CLU expression, with important consequences for mammalian tumorigenesis.
Sala
Arturo
A
Molecular Haematology and Cancer Biology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom.
Bettuzzi
Saverio
S
Pucci
Sabina
S
Chayka
Olesya
O
Dews
Michael
M
Thomas-Tikhonenko
Andrei
A
D000818:Animals; D051152:Clusterin / Q000235:genetics*; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1 / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020570:Genes, myb; D016259:Genes, myc; D006801:Humans; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes; D051822:T Cell Transcription Factor 1 / Q000502:physiology
D051152:Clusterin; C497325:EGR1 protein, human; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; D016328:NF-kappa B; D051822:T Cell Transcription Factor 1; C497576:TCF7 protein, human