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Physiological functions of MTA family of proteins

Nirmalya Sen1, Bin Gui, Rakesh Kumar

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|October 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Metastatic tumor antigen (MTA) proteins are crucial in cancer, but their roles in normal physiology are emerging. This review details MTA protein functions in various systems, highlighting their broader biological significance beyond cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Metastatic tumor antigen (MTA) proteins are known chromatin remodelers involved in cancer.
  • Their physiological roles in normal cellular functions remain largely understudied.
  • MTA proteins can act as corepressors or coactivators, modulating gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the physiological functions of MTA proteins in various model systems.
  • To highlight recent advances in understanding MTA protein roles in normal biology.
  • To explore the broader implications of MTA proteins in health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MTA protein functions in model systems.
  • Analysis of research on MTA protein expression, localization, and regulation.
  • Synthesis of findings related to MTA proteins in diverse physiological contexts.

Main Results:

  • MTA proteins play significant roles in the brain, eye, circadian rhythm, mammary gland, and spermatogenesis.
  • Their functions extend to immunomodulation, inflammation, liver biology, and hematopoiesis.
  • MTA proteins influence cellular radio-sensitivity and differentiation processes.

Conclusions:

  • The physiological functions of MTA proteins are diverse and critical for normal cellular processes.
  • Understanding MTA proteins offers insights into non-cancerous conditions and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the non-redundant functions of MTA coregulators in physiology and pathology.

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