MEF2 signaling and human diseases.

Zhijuan Lin,Xiao Chen,Bing Gao,Jia Liu,Murugavel Ponnusamy

doi:10.18632/oncotarget.22899

Abstract

The members of myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) protein family was previously believed to function in the development of heart and muscle. Recent reports indicate that they are also closely associated with development and progression of many human diseases. Although their role in cancer biology is well established, the molecular mechanisms underlying their action is yet largely unknown. MEF2 family is closely associated with various signaling pathways, including Ca2+ signaling, MAP kinase signaling, Wnt signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, etc. microRNAs also contribute to regulate the activities of MEF2. In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanism by which MEF2 family contribute to human diseases.

Highlights

myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factor plays vital role in both physiological and pathological processes
The results indicated serum response factor (SRF) could bind to MEF2,AP1and NeuroD1,CPBE/ATF could bind to MEF2A enhancers and CEBP/A and forkhead box factors could bind to MEF2C
Researchers are engaged in developing new drugs that target MEF2 family in order to treat MEF2 associated human diseases

Summary

INTRODUCTION

MEF2 transcription factor plays vital role in both physiological and pathological processes. The family members of MEF2 transcription factor are closely associated with calcium-dependent signaling pathway [8], which play an important role in the development of nervous system and neuronal differentiation [29]. MEF2A and MEF2C regulate miR-143 and miR-23a activities via their interaction with 3’UTR region of microRNA in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget cardiomyocytes from mice with myotonic dystrophy, respectively [84, 85]. These studies reveal that microRNA/ MEF2 pathway might play a key role in various types of cells and its dysregulation always contribute to various diseases (Figure 4). ― Oleanolic acid signaling and its downstream events to induce proliferation and metastasis in Drosophila [96]

DISCUSSION

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST