GATA factors in endocrine neoplasia

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2016 Feb 5:421:2-17. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.027. Epub 2015 May 28.

Abstract

GATA transcription factors are structurally-related zinc finger proteins that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAA (the GATA motif), an essential cis-acting element in the promoters and enhancers of many genes. These transcription factors regulate cell fate specification and differentiation in a wide array of tissues. As demonstrated by genetic analyses of mice and humans, GATA factors play pivotal roles in the development, homeostasis, and function of several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and testis. Additionally, GATA factors have been shown to be mutated, overexpressed, or underexpressed in a variety of endocrine tumors (e.g., adrenocortical neoplasms, parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and sex cord stromal tumors). Emerging evidence suggests that GATA factors play a direct role in the initiation, proliferation, or propagation of certain endocrine tumors via modulation of key developmental signaling pathways implicated in oncogenesis, such as the WNT/β-catenin and TGFβ pathways. Altered expression or function of GATA factors can also affect the metabolism, ploidy, and invasiveness of tumor cells. This article provides an overview of the role of GATA factors in endocrine neoplasms. Relevant animal models are highlighted.

Keywords: Adrenocortical tumor; Granulosa cell tumor; Parathyroid tumor; Pituitary adenoma; Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • GATA Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • GATA Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms, Experimental
  • Ploidies
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • GATA Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta