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Multiple roles of COUP-TFII in cancer initiation and progression

Lacey M Litchfield1, Carolyn M Klinge

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|September 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear receptor regulating cell functions. Its dual role in cancer, impacting angiogenesis and metastasis, highlights its complex physiological and pathological actions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear receptor.
  • It functions as a cell type-dependent transcriptional regulator.
  • COUP-TFII is implicated in angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions of COUP-TFII.
  • To describe its roles in angiogenesis, metastasis, and steroidogenesis.
  • To discuss its impact on the endocrine sensitivity of breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence on COUP-TFII.
  • Analysis of studies detailing COUP-TFII's roles in physiological and pathological processes.
  • Synthesis of data regarding COUP-TFII's functions in various cancer types.

Main Results:

  • COUP-TFII exhibits context-dependent oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activities.
  • It significantly influences angiogenesis, metastasis, and steroidogenesis.
  • Altered expression of COUP-TFII is observed in various endocrine conditions and cancers, including breast cancer.

Conclusions:

  • COUP-TFII plays multifaceted roles in cancer, acting as both an oncogene and tumor suppressor.
  • Its functions in angiogenesis, metastasis, and endocrine sensitivity are critical for cancer progression.
  • Understanding COUP-TFII's cell type-specific regulation is key to deciphering its diverse pathological actions.

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