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TWISTing an embryonic transcription factor into an oncoprotein

Oncogene volume 29, pages 3173–3184 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

Over the past decade, the reactivation of TWIST embryonic transcription factors has been described as a frequent event and a marker of poor prognosis in an impressive array of human cancers. Growing evidence now supports the premise that these cancers hijack TWIST's embryonic functions, granting oncogenic and metastatic properties. In this review, we report on the history and recent breakthroughs in understanding TWIST protein functions and the emerging role of the associated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumorigenesis. We then broaden the discussion to address the general contribution of reactivating embryonic programs in cancerogenesis.

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Acknowledgements

Because of size restriction, unfortunately we could not refer to all significant contributions in this field. We therefore apologize to non-cited scientists. Our researches are supported by the Ligue contre le Cancer (Comités de l’Ain, de la Drôme et Rhône-Alpes), l’Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer (ARC), l’Institut National du Cancer (INCa), la Fondation de France and la Fondation Albert et Jeanne Rollet du Coudray.

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  1. Inserm, U590, Lyon, France

    S Ansieau, G Hinkal, J Bastid & A Puisieux

  2. Université de Lyon, Lyon I, Institut des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Lyon, France

    J Bastid & A Puisieux

  3. Université de Lyon, Lyon I, France

    A Puisieux

  4. Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France

    A-P Morel & A Puisieux

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  1. S Ansieau
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Ansieau, S., Morel, AP., Hinkal, G. et al. TWISTing an embryonic transcription factor into an oncoprotein. Oncogene 29, 3173–3184 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2010.92

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