RUNX2 as a promising therapeutic target for malignant tumors

Abstract

The transcription factor runt-related protein 2 (RUNX2) has an important impact on the transformation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. Further studies have shown that RUNX2 plays a key role in the invasion and metastasis of cancers. RUNX2 is a “key” molecule in the regulatory network comprised of multiple signaling pathways upstream and its target downstream molecules. Due to the complex regulatory mechanisms of RUNX2, the specific mechanism underlying the occurrence, development and prognosis of malignant tumors has not been fully understood. Currently, RUNX2 as a promising therapeutic target for cancers has become a research hotspot. Herein, we reviewed the current literature on the modulatory functions and mechanisms of RUNX2 in the development of malignant tumors, aiming to explore its potential clinical application in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of tumors.

Keywords:

• RUNX2
• malignant tumor;
• research progress

Abbreviations

RUNX2, transcription factor runt-related protein 2; BC, Breast cancer; HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; VEGF, metastatic marker genes vascular endothelial growth factor; MMP-2, metalloproteinase 2; OPN, osteopontin; BSP, bisulfite sequencing PCR,; PTHrP, parathyroid hormone-related peptide; RANKL, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand; miRNAs, micro ribonucleic acid; HDACi, histone deacetylase inhibitor; BRD4, bromodomain-containing protein 4; ENHs, Enhancers; BETi, bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitors; CTGF, connective tissue growth factor; BCs, Bethesda categories; lncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs; Pca, Prostate cancer; PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog; FOXO1, Forkhead Box O1; CYP1A1, cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A1; IAS, intratumoral androgen synthesis; AR, androgen receptor; ERK, extracellular regulated protein kinases; CRC, Colorectal cancer; TGFβ-1, Transforming Growth Factor β-1; SNHG3, small nucleolar RNA host gene 3, MALAT1, RNA-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1; SFPQ, splicing factor proline/glutamine rich; PTBP2, polypyrimidine tract binding protein-2; PVT1, Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1; NID1, Nidogen 1; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; WWOX, WW domain-containing oxidoreductase; NSCLC, Non-small cell lung cancer; LUSC, lung squamous cell carcinoma; SDF1, Stromal Sell-Derived Factor 1; TRβ, Thyroid hormone receptor β; WDR5, WD repeat domain 5; NELF, negative elongation factor; CSCs, cancer stem cells; TME, tumor microenvironment.

Consent for Publication

All authors have agreed to the publication of this manuscript.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this work and that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.