title: SALL4, the missing link between stem cells, development and cancer.
abstract: There is a growing body of evidence supporting that cancer cells share many similarities with embryonic stem cells (ESCs). For example, aggressive cancers and ESCs share a common gene expression signature that includes hundreds of genes. Since ESC genes are not present in most adult tissues, they could be ideal candidate targets for cancer-specific diagnosis and treatment. This is an exciting cancer-targeting model. The major hurdle to test this model is to identify the key factors/pathway(s) within ESCs that are responsible for the cancer phenotype. SALL4 is one of few genes that can establish this link. The first publication of SALL4 is on its mutation in a human inherited disorder with multiple developmental defects. Since then, over 300 papers have been published on various aspects of this gene in stem cells, development, and cancers. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge of SALL4, including a SALL4-based approach to classify and target cancers. Many questions about this important gene still remain unanswered, specifically, on how this gene regulates cell fates at a molecular level. Understanding SALL4's molecular functions will allow development of specific targeted approaches in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Building Room 652D, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Hiro
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tatetsu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Building Room 652D, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Nikki R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Building Room 652D, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Gao
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: ADIENNE, Via Zurigo, 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amabile
authors.affiliation: Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine (MD6), #12-01, 14 Medical Drive, 117599, Singapore; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Center for Life Science Room 437, 3 Blackfan Circle Room 437, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Tenen
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Building Room 652D, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: lchai@partners.org.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chai
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C472575:SALL4 protein, human; D014157:Transcription Factors
keywords: Oncofetal protein; SALL4