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Epigenetic regulation in the tumorigenesis of MEN1-associated endocrine cell types

Sucharitha Iyer1, Sunita K Agarwal1

  • 1Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|April 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Menin protein loss, caused by MEN1 gene mutations, leads to epigenetic changes that drive endocrine tumor development. Targeting these reversible epigenetic alterations offers potential therapeutic strategies for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Epigenetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in human diseases, involving mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications.
  • Menin, encoded by the MEN1 gene, is involved in epigenetic control through chromatin interactions and non-coding RNA regulation.
  • Mutations in the MEN1 gene cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, predisposing to endocrine tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epigenetic control mechanisms involving menin.
  • To explore the role of epigenetics in endocrine tumorigenesis resulting from menin loss.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic alterations in MEN1-associated tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on menin, epigenetics, and endocrine tumors.
  • Analysis of menin's interactions with chromatin-associated complexes and non-coding RNAs.
  • Discussion of epigenetic changes in endocrine cell types following menin loss.

Main Results:

  • Menin participates in epigenetic regulation by interacting with chromatin modifiers and regulating non-coding RNAs.
  • Loss of menin function due to MEN1 mutations leads to epigenetic dysregulation, promoting endocrine tumorigenesis.
  • Epigenetic alterations in MEN1-associated tumors are potentially reversible and targetable.

Conclusions:

  • Menin is a key player in epigenetic control relevant to endocrine development and tumor suppression.
  • Epigenetic changes are critical in the pathogenesis of MEN1-associated endocrine tumors.
  • Targeting the epigenome presents a promising therapeutic avenue for MEN1 syndrome and related endocrine neoplasms.
Keywords:
neuroendocrinepancreasparathyroidpituitary

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