The RUNX Family of Proteins, DNA Repair, and Cancer

Cells. 2023 Apr 7;12(8):1106. doi: 10.3390/cells12081106.

Abstract

The RUNX family of transcription factors, including RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3, are key regulators of development and can function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes in cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that the dysregulation of RUNX genes can promote genomic instability in both leukemia and solid cancers by impairing DNA repair mechanisms. RUNX proteins control the cellular response to DNA damage by regulating the p53, Fanconi anemia, and oxidative stress repair pathways through transcriptional or non-transcriptional mechanisms. This review highlights the importance of RUNX-dependent DNA repair regulation in human cancers.

Keywords: DNA damage; DNA repair; Fanconi anemia; RUNX1; RUNX2; RUNX3; TGF-β; leukemia; p53; reactive oxygen species.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit* / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit* / metabolism
  • Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits / metabolism
  • DNA Damage / genetics
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit
  • Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits

Grants and funding

The research is supported by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), Singapore (NMRC/BNIG/2024/2014).