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Common Chromosomal Fragile Site Gene WWOX in Metabolic Disorders and Tumors

Juan Li1, Jie Liu1, Yu Ren2

  • 11. Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University College of Medicine;

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|February 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The WWOX gene, crucial for genomic stability, is often lost in cancer. Its loss is linked to metabolic disorders and tumor development, highlighting its importance in disease.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • The WWOX gene is located at a common chromosomal fragile site (FRA16D) and is susceptible to deletions and breakpoints under cellular stress.
  • Loss of WWOX function is associated with genomic instability, promoting tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and therapy resistance.
  • WWOX heterozygous knockout mice exhibit a higher incidence of tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of the WWOX gene in the context of metabolic disorders.
  • To explore the involvement of WWOX in the development and progression of various tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies investigating WWOX gene expression and function.
  • Analysis of evidence linking WWOX to cellular processes, genomic stability, and disease phenotypes.
  • Examination of WWOX interactions with proteins containing PPxY motifs and its role in steroid metabolism.

Main Results:

  • WWOX interacts with proteins containing proline-rich motifs (PPxY) and participates in diverse cellular functions.
  • The WWOX gene, possessing a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) domain, plays a role in steroid metabolism and bone development.
  • Reduced or absent WWOX expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.

Conclusions:

  • The WWOX gene is a critical tumor suppressor and plays a significant role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of WWOX is a key factor in the development of both metabolic diseases and cancer.
  • Further research into WWOX function could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Keywords:
WW domain-containing oxidoreductaseendocrine and chemotherapy.metabolic disorderstumorigenesis

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