Abstract
Simple SummarybHLH transcription factors control a variety of functions during development and disease. Atoh8 is one such bHLH factor with unique characteristics in the ‘atonal’ family. Consistent with the other homologs of its family, Atoh8 was identified to regulate cell fate and differentiation during development. Furthermore, it was also found to regulate other mechanisms in adult and mature organisms such as cancer, iron homeostasis and stress response. This review systematically outlines the role of Atoh8 in development and pathologies. At the same time, this review also anticipates its potential involvement in basic cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy.Atoh8 belongs to a large superfamily of transcriptional regulators called basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. bHLH proteins have been identified in a wide range of organisms from yeast to humans. The members of this special group of transcription factors were found to be involved not only in embryonic development but also in disease initiation and its progression. Given their importance in several fundamental processes, the translation, subcellular location and turnover of bHLH proteins is tightly regulated. Alterations in the expression of bHLH proteins have been associated with multiple diseases also in context with Atoh8 which seems to unfold its functions as both transcriptional activator and repressor. Like many other bHLH transcription factors, so far, Atoh8 has also been observed to be involved in both embryonic development and carcinogenesis where it mainly acts as tumor suppressor. This review summarizes our current understanding of Atoh8 structure, function and regulation and its complex and partially controversial involvement in development and disease.
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralThe basic helix-loop-helix proteins are an evolutionarily ancient superfamily of transcription factors that control a wide range of functions from proliferation to differentiation of tissues
BHLH transcription factors have been identified to be integral to multiple developmental processes
In light of our recent report where we have shown that the absence of Atoh8 primes murine pluripotent stem cells towards mesendodermal fate, it would be interesting to know how Atoh8 is engaged in early embryonic development during gastrulation [20,23,24]
Summary
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are an evolutionarily ancient superfamily of transcription factors that control a wide range of functions from proliferation to differentiation of tissues. Members of the bHLH family possess two highly conserved and functionally distinct domains namely ‘basic’ and ‘Helix-Loop-Helix’. Subsequent studies performed on zebrafish, Among metazoans, hasfunctions undergone se superfamily of proteins possesses the ability Atoh to control diverse by regulating high and modulating the transcription of aiswide range of target genes [8]. Atoh belongs to Group A of bHLH transcription factors that bindsequence to the core consensus DNA sequence or functions. As opposed to other members of neurogenesis where it was identified as another pro-neural transcription factor, like its (exon, exon and exon3b) zebrafish to mammals homologs [11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
