Tissue selectivity in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-associated tumorigenesis

The phenotype of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome cannot be explained solely by the expression pattern of the predisposing gene MEN1 and its encoded protein, menin. This review addresses putative factors determining MEN1-associated tissue-selective tumorigenesis. Menin's interaction with mixed-lineage leukemia protein-containing histone methyl transferase (MLL-HMT) complex mediates tissue-selective tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting effects of menin, and as such could be decisive for the predisposition of individual tissues to MEN1-associated tumorigenesis. In tissues in which menin acts as a tumor suppressor, tumorigenesis could depend on the inability of such tissues to adequately compensate for MEN1 gene loss, whereas the variable clinical presentation of MEN1 in individual patients could be a reflection of additional epigenetic factors and/or modifier genes. Further research on this topic may facilitate development of novel therapeutic strategies that could prevent or delay the onset of MEN1-associated tumorigenesis.

 

Authors: 
A. Gracanin, K.M.A. Dreijerink, R.B. van der Luijt, C.J.M. Lips, J.W.M. Höppener
Authors from the NMC: 
DOI: 
10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-0678
Pages: 
2009; 69 (16): 6371-6374
Published in: 
Cancer Research
Date of publication: 
August, 2009
Status of the publication: 
Published/accepted