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Oncogenic potential of the RUNX gene family: ‘Overview’

Abstract

Runt-related (RUNX) gene family is composed of three members, RUNX1/AML1, RUNX2 and RUNX3, and encodes the DNA-binding (α) subunits of the Runt domain transcription factor polyomavirus enhancer-binding protein 2 (PEBP2)/core-binding factor (CBF), which is a heterodimeric transcription factor. RUNX1 is most frequently involved in human acute leukemia. RUNX2 shows oncogenic potential in mouse experimental system. RUNX3 is a strong candidate as a gastric cancer tumor suppressor. The β subunit gene of PEBP2/CBF is also frequently involved in chromosome rearrangements associated with human leukemia. In this Overview, I will summarize how this growing field has been formed and what are the challenging new frontiers for better understanding of the oncogenic potential of this gene family.

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I thank Drs K Shigesada, M Osato and K Ito for critical reading of this manuscript and valuable suggestions.

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Ito, Y. Oncogenic potential of the RUNX gene family: ‘Overview’. Oncogene 23, 4198–4208 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1207755

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