Abstract 2086: Role of the transcription factor NFE2L3 in TNFα signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world. Our laboratory is studying the transcription factor NFE2L3 [nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 3]. NFE2L3, a member of the Cap’n’Collar family, is a basic-region leucine zipper transcription factor that was identified 15 years ago. Contrary to its extensively studied homolog NFE2L2, the role of NFE2L3 in cancer is still unknown. We demonstrated that NFE2L3 functions as heterodimer by complexing with small Maf (musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma) proteins for DNA binding. According to the clinical databases, NFE2L3 is up-regulated in CRC compared to normal tissues. Using the colorimetric MTT viability assay, we determined the optimal concentration to treat colon cell lines with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with CRC tumorigenesis. We showed that protein levels of NFE2L3 and small Maf proteins are up-regulated by TNFα in CRC cells. We used genomic approaches for identifying genes that are modulated by NFE2L3 after TNFα treatments. The identification of the precise role of NFE2L3 in TNFα signaling pathway will lead to a better understanding of colorectal cancers and will help in the design of novel treatment options. Citation Format: Marina Bury, Volker Blank. Role of the transcription factor NFE2L3 in TNFα signaling pathway in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2086. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2086