Nuclear factor I/B: Duality in action in cancer pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Nuclear Factor I (NFI) transcription factors are crucial for organ development and maturation.
• Deregulation of NFI family members, particularly NFIB, is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
• NFIB exhibits unique dual roles, acting as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an in-depth review of NFIB's functions in development and cancer.
• To elucidate the mechanisms behind NFIB's paradoxical oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles.
• To explore strategies for targeting NFIB in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of NFIB's role in organogenesis and neoplastic transformation.
• Analysis of signaling pathways associated with NFIB's dual functions in different cancers.
• Case study examining NFIB's role in osteosarcoma.

Main Results:

• NFIB plays a critical role in central nervous system development.
• NFIB's impact on cancer is context-dependent, influenced by upstream and downstream factors.
• NFIB can promote oncogenesis or tumor suppression, driving metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance.

Conclusions:

• NFIB's dual roles in cancer are driven by intricate regulatory networks.
• Targeting NFIB presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment innovation.
• Further research is needed to fully understand NFIB's mechanisms and facilitate clinical translation.