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A tumor suppressor role for C/EBPα in solid tumors: more than fat and blood

Oncogene volume 36, pages 5221–5230 (2017)Cite this article

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Abstract

The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) plays a critical role during embryogenesis and is thereafter required for homeostatic glucose metabolism, adipogenesis and myeloid development. Its ability to regulate the expression of lineage-specific genes and induce growth arrest contributes to the terminal differentiation of several cell types, including hepatocytes, adipocytes and granulocytes. CEBPA loss of-function mutations contribute to the development of ~10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), stablishing a tumor suppressor role for C/EBPα. Deregulation of C/EBPα expression has also been reported in a variety of additional human neoplasias, including liver, breast and lung cancer. However, functional CEBPA mutations have not been found in solid tumors, suggesting that abrogation of C/EBPα function in non-hematopoietic tissues is regulated by alternative mechanisms. Here we review the function of C/EBPα in solid tumors and focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying its tumor suppressive role.

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  1. Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A R Lourenço & P J Coffer

  2. Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A R Lourenço & P J Coffer

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Lourenço, A., Coffer, P. A tumor suppressor role for C/EBPα in solid tumors: more than fat and blood. Oncogene 36, 5221–5230 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2017.151

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