Review Article: YY2 in Tumor Regulation: Core Mechanisms and Functional Networks

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Cancer research
• Genetics

Background:

• Ying Yang 2 (YY2) is a transcription factor structurally similar to YY1.
• YY2 has context-dependent roles in various cancers, acting as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene.
• Its roles in tumor biology are multifaceted, influencing metabolism, stemness, and genomic stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the current understanding of YY2's roles in cancer.
• To highlight YY2's dual functions in tumor initiation and therapy resistance.
• To elucidate YY2's involvement in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stem cell maintenance, chromosomal stability, and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on YY2 in cancer.
• Analysis of YY2's molecular mechanisms in different cancer types.
• Comparative study of YY2's functions in hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma.

Main Results:

• YY2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis.
• YY2 promotes esophageal carcinoma by upregulating glycolytic genes (PDHA1/PDK3), driving metabolic reprogramming.
• YY2 influences cancer stem cell maintenance, chromosomal stability, and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• YY2 is a key transcriptional regulator with paradoxical roles in cancer progression and therapy resistance.
• YY2 links metabolic pathways, genomic stability, and immune responses in cancer cells.
• Understanding YY2's dual functions is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.