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MEF2C: A Novel Transcription Factor Implicated in Human Malignant Tumors
Yining Pan1,2,3, Jiayi Li1,2,3, Haoran Liu1,2,3
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, China.
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|July 4, 2025
Summary
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) acts as an oncogene in various cancers, influencing proliferation, migration, and drug resistance. Understanding MEF2C
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is a transcription factor crucial for myocyte differentiation and involved in diverse biological processes.
- Emerging evidence highlights MEF2C's dual role as an oncogene in tumorigenesis, yet its precise mechanisms in cancer progression remain unclear.
- Investigating MEF2C's expression and signaling pathways in various cancers is essential for understanding its oncogenic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the current literature on the biological functions of MEF2C in malignant tumors.
- To elucidate the expression patterns and specific signaling pathways regulated by MEF2C in different cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and critical analysis of existing studies.
- Comprehensive literature search conducted through PubMed databases.
Main Results:
- MEF2C exhibits aberrant expression in various solid tumors (glioma, breast, liver cancer) and hematological malignancies (leukemia).
- MEF2C promotes oncogenic processes including tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- MEF2C influences cancer drug resistance, cachexia, and resistance to apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- MEF2C plays multifaceted roles in tumor initiation, progression, and clinical outcomes.
- MEF2C shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker for various malignancies.
- MEF2C represents a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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