The Role of Nkx3.1 in Cancers and Stemness

Overview

Journal Int J Stem Cells

Date 2021 Feb 26

PMID 33632988

Citations 5

Authors

Ainsley Mike Antao

Suresh Ramakrishna

Kye-Seong Kim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The well-known androgen-regulated homeobox gene, , is located on the short arm of chromosome 8. It is the first known prostate epithelium-specific marker, and is a transcription factor involved in development of the testes and prostate. In addition to specifying the prostate epithelium and maintaining normal prostate secretory function, Nkx3.1 is an established marker for prostate cancer. Over the years, however, this gene has been implicated in various other cancers, and technological advances have allowed determination of its role in other cellular functions. Nkx3.1 has also been recently identified as a factor capable of replacing Oct4 in cellular reprogramming. This review highlights the role of this tumor suppressor and briefly describes its functions, ranging from prostate development to maintenance of stemness and cellular reprogramming.

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