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Oncogenic MORC2 in cancer development and beyond

Shan Zhang1, Ayao Guo2, Huan Wang1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China.

Genes & Diseases
|September 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Microrchidia CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is a nuclear protein involved in gene regulation and cancer development. This review summarizes MORC2's role in cancer hallmarks, therapeutic resistance, and its upstream/downstream targets for potential clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Microrchidia CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is a nuclear protein belonging to the MORC superfamily.
  • MORC2 is implicated in crucial cellular processes including gene transcription and chromatin remodeling.
  • Dysregulation of MORC2 is increasingly linked to human diseases and cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of MORC2's role in cancer hallmarks and therapeutic resistance.
  • To summarize the known upstream regulators and downstream target genes of MORC2.
  • To offer a theoretical basis for understanding MORC2's function in tumor development and its clinical potential.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of existing research on MORC2 function in cancer.
  • Compilation of data on MORC2's regulatory networks.

Main Results:

  • MORC2 influences key cancer hallmarks.
  • MORC2 plays a role in the development of therapeutic resistance.
  • MORC2 regulates the expression of critical oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

Conclusions:

  • MORC2 is a significant factor in tumor development and progression.
  • Understanding MORC2's regulatory network is crucial for cancer research.
  • MORC2 represents a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Cancer developmentHallmarks of cancerMORC2Therapeutic targetTreatment resistance

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