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MEF-2 isoforms' (A-D) roles in development and tumorigenesis
Kiran Madugula1, Ria Mulherkar1, Zafar K Khan1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
Abstract:
Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 plays a critical role in proliferation, differentiation, and development of various cell types in a tissue specific manner. Four isoforms of MEF-2 (A-D) differentially participate in controlling the cell fate during the developmental phases of cardiac, muscle, vascular, immune and skeletal systems. Through their associations with various cellular factors MEF-2 isoforms can trigger alterations in complex protein networks and modulate various stages of cellular differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. The role of the MEF-2 family of transcription factors in the development has been investigated in various cell types, and the evolving alterations in this family of transcription factors have resulted in a diverse and wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, ranging from cancer to infection. This review provides a comprehensive account on MEF-2 isoforms (A-D) from their respective localization, signaling, role in development and tumorigenesis as well as their association with histone deacetylases (HDACs), which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
Insights
Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 isoforms regulate cell development and fate across multiple systems. Dysregulation of MEF-2 transcription factors contributes to diseases like cancer and infection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 is crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, and development.
- Four MEF-2 isoforms (A-D) exhibit distinct roles in cardiac, muscle, vascular, immune, and skeletal system development.
- MEF-2 interactions with cellular factors influence protein networks, modulating cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of MEF-2 isoforms (A-D).
- To detail MEF-2 localization, signaling pathways, and roles in development and tumorigenesis.
- To explore the association of MEF-2 with histone deacetylases (HDACs) for therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MEF-2 function and regulation.
- Analysis of MEF-2 isoform-specific roles in various cell types.
- Examination of MEF-2 involvement in disease phenotypes and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- MEF-2 isoforms exhibit tissue-specific functions in development.
- Alterations in MEF-2 transcription factors are linked to diverse disease phenotypes, including cancer and infections.
- MEF-2 interacts with HDACs, presenting potential therapeutic intervention strategies.
Conclusions:
- MEF-2 transcription factors are key regulators of cellular processes and development.
- Aberrant MEF-2 activity contributes to various pathologies.
- Targeting MEF-2 and its interactions, such as with HDACs, holds promise for therapeutic development.