• BMB Reports
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.174-181
• /
• 2018

A number of genes have been therapeutically targeted to relieve cancer, but cancer relapse is still a growing issue. The concept that the surrounding tumor environment is critical for the progression of cancer may foster an answer to the issue of cancer malignancy. Runt domain transcription factors (RUNX1, 2, and 3) are evolutionarily conserved and have been intensively studied for their roles in normal development and pathological conditions. During tumor growth, a hypoxic microenvironment and infiltration of the tumor by immune cells are common phenomena. In this review, we briefly introduce the consequences of hypoxia and immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment with a focus on RUNX3 as a critical regulator. Furthermore, based on our current knowledge of the functional role of RUNX3 in hypoxia and immune cell maintenance, a probable therapeutic intervention is suggested for the effective management of tumor growth and malignancy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.314-319
• /
• 2017

Chlorogenic acid, a well-known polyphenol, and its derivatives, ester of caffeic acid on quinic acid moiety, are abundant in coffee, tea, fruits, and various vegetables. This study examined the effects of cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA) on osteoblast differentiation. CCA-induced mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes in MC3T3E1 and C3H10T1/2 cells were determined by RT-PCR and qPCR. CCA regulated expression of key osteogenic genes in the early stage of differentiation, including distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5), DNA-binding protein inhibitor (Id1), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). These results suggest that CCA may enhance osteoblast differentiation through expression of osteogenic genes such as Id1, Dlx5, and Runx2, especially in the early stage.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.258-265
• /
• 2016

In metastatic breast cancer, the acquisition of malignant traits has been associated with the increased rate of cell growth and division, mobility, resistance to chemotherapy, and invasiveness. While screening for the key regulators of cancer metastasis, we observed that neurotrophin receptor TrkB is frequently overexpressed in breast cancer patients and breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, we demonstrate that TrkB expression and clinical breast tumor pathological phenotypes show significant correlation. Moreover, TrkB expression was significantly upregulated in basal-like, claudin-low, and metaplastic breast cancers from a published microarray database and in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, which is associated with a higher risk of invasive recurrence. Interestingly, we identified a new TrkB-regulated functional network that is important for the tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer. We demonstrated that TrkB plays a key role in regulation of the tumor suppressors Runx3 and Keap1. A markedly increased expression of Runx3 and Keap1 was observed upon knockdown of TrkB, treatment with a TrkB inhibitor, and in TrkB kinase dead mutants. Additionally, the inhibition of PI3K/AKT activation significantly induced Runx3 and Keap1 expression. Furthermore, we showed that TrkB enhances metastatic potential and induces proliferation. These observations suggest that TrkB plays a key role in tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer cells through suppression of Runx3 or Keap1 and that it is a promising target for future intervention strategies for preventing tumor metastasis and cancer chemoprevention.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.45 no.12
• /
• pp.886-895
• /
• 2022

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a highly aggressive pediatric malignancy with no effective therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a target for the development of novel molecule-targeting therapeutic agents. In this study, we report the importance of the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and RUNX1-Baculoviral IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) Repeat-Containing 5 (BIRC5/survivin) axis in the proliferation of MRT cells, as it can be used as an ideal target for anti-tumor strategies. The mechanism of this reaction can be explained by the interaction of RUNX1 with the RUNX1-binding DNA sequence located in the survivin promoter and its positive regulation. Specific knockdown of RUNX1 led to decreased expression of survivin, which subsequently suppressed the proliferation of MRT cells in vitro and in vivo. We also found that our novel RUNX inhibitor, Chb-M, which switches off RUNX1 using alkylating agent-conjugated pyrrole-imidazole polyamides designed to specifically bind to consensus RUNX-binding sequences (5'-TGTGGT-3'), inhibited survivin expression in vivo. Taken together, we identified a novel interaction between RUNX1 and survivin in MRT. Therefore the negative regulation of RUNX1 activity may be a novel strategy for MRT treatment.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.282-295
• /
• 2023

Background: Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) protects tissues from proteases and promotes cell proliferation and healing. SLPI also reduces periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine expression in rat periodontal tissues and osteoblasts. However, little is known of the role of SLPI in the expression of osteoclast regulatory factors from osteoblasts, which are crucial for the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of SLPI on the regulation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts. Methods: Periodontitis was induced in rats using LPS. After each LPS injection, SLPI was injected into the same area. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with antibodies against SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in the periodontal tissue. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the expression levels of SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in LPS- and SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells were also stained with Alizarin Red S. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 were higher while that of RANKL was lower in the LPS/SLPI group relative to those in the LPS group. The mRNA and protein expression of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 was higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells, and RANKL expression was lower. During differentiation, OPG and Runx2 protein levels were higher whereas RANKL levels were lower in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells on days 0, 4, 7, and 10. In addition, mineralization and matrix deposition were higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 on days 7 and 10. SLPI decreased RANKL expression in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts but increased the expression of OPG and Runx2. Conclusion: SLPI can be considered as a regulatory molecule that indirectly regulates osteoclast activation via osteoblasts and promotes osteoblast differentiation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.409-415
• /
• 2019

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant disease characterized by the delayed closure of cranial sutures, defects in clavicle formation, supernumerary teeth, and delayed tooth eruption. Defects in the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a master regulator of bone formation, have been identified in CCD patients. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular genetic causes in a CCD family with delayed tooth eruption. The 23-year-old female proband and her mother underwent clinical and radiographic examinations, and all coding exons of the RUNX2 were sequenced. Mutational analysis revealed a single nucleotide deletion mutation (NM_001024630.4 : c.357delC) in exon 3 in the proband and her mother. The single C deletion would result in a frameshift in translation and introduce a premature stop codon [p.(Asn120Thrfs^*24)]. This would result in the impaired function of RUNX2 protein, which may be the cause of delayed eruption of permanent teeth in the family.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.381-385
• /
• 2007

Bone is a dynamic organ that bone remodeling occurs throughout life and involves the process in which the bone matrix is broken down through resorption by osteoclasts and then built back again through bone formation by osteoblasts. Usually these two processes balance each other and a stable level of bone mass is maintained. We here discuss transcription factors involved in regulating the osteoblast differentiation pathway. Runx2 is a transcription factor which is essential in skeletal development by regulating osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. Its companion subunit, Cbf${\beta}$ is needed for an early step in osteoblast differentiation pathway. Whereas Osterix(Osx) is a new identified osteoblast-specific transcription factor which is required for the differentiation of preosteoblasts into more mature and functional osteoblasts. We also discuss other transcription factors, Msx1 and 2, Dlx5 and 6, Twist, and Sp3 that affect skeletal patterning and development. Understanding the characteristics of mice in which these transcription factors are inactivated should help define their role in bone physiology and pathology of bone defects.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.43 no.10
• /
• pp.889-897
• /
• 2020

K-RAS is frequently mutated in human lung adenocarcinomas (ADCs), and the p53 pathway plays a central role in cellular defense against oncogenic K-RAS mutation. However, in mouse lung cancer models, oncogenic K-Ras mutation alone can induce ADCs without p53 mutation, and loss of p53 does not have a significant impact on early K-Ras-induced lung tumorigenesis. These results raise the question of how K-Ras-activated cells evade oncogene surveillance mechanisms and develop into lung ADCs. RUNX3 plays a key role at the restriction (R)-point, which governs multiple tumor suppressor pathways including the p14^ARF-p53 pathway. In this study, we found that K-Ras activation in a very limited number of cells, alone or in combination with p53 inactivation, failed to induce any pathologic lesions for up to 1 year. By contrast, when Runx3 was inactivated and K-Ras was activated by the same targeting method, lung ADCs and other tumors were rapidly induced. In a urethane-induced mouse lung tumor model that recapitulates the features of K-RAS-driven human lung tumors, Runx3 was inactivated in both adenomas (ADs) and ADCs, whereas K-Ras was activated only in ADCs. Together, these results demonstrate that the R-point-associated oncogene surveillance mechanism is abrogated by Runx3 inactivation in AD cells and these cells cannot defend against K-Ras activation, resulting in the transition from AD to ADC. Therefore, K-Ras-activated lung epithelial cells do not evade oncogene surveillance mechanisms; instead, they are selected if they occur in AD cells in which Runx3 has been inactivated.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.91-96
• /
• 2009

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM. The aim of this study was to study the effects of various surface treatments to a titanium surface on the expression of Runx2 in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Human Osteosarcoma TE-85 cells were cultured on machined, sandblasted, or anodic oxidized cpTi discs. At various times of incubation, the cells were collected and then processed for the analysis of mRNA expression of Runx2 using reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS. The expression pattern of Runx2 mRNA was differed according to the types of surface treatment. When the cells were cultured on the untreated control culture plates, the gene expression of Runx2 was not increased during the experiments. In the case of that the cells were cultured on the machined cpTI discs, the expression level was intermediate at the first day, but increased constitutively to day 5. In cells on sandblasted cpTi discs, the expression level was highest in the first day sample and the level was maintained to 5 days. In cells on anodized cpTi discs, the expression level increased rapidly to 3 days, but decreased slightly in the 5-th day sample. CONCLUSION. Different surface treatments may contribute to the regulation of osteoblast function by influencing the level of gene expression of key osteogenic factors.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.643-653
• /
• 2003

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) / FGF receptor (FGFR) mediated signaling is required for skeletogenesis in cluding intramembranous and endochondral ossifications Runx2 ($Cbfa1/Pebp2{\alpha}A/AML3$) is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Murine calvaria and mandible are concurrently undergoing both intramembranous bone and cartilage formations in the early developmental stage. However the mechanism by which these cartilage formations are regulated remains unclear. To elucidate the effect of FGF signaling on development of cranial sutural cartilage and Meckel's cartilage and to understand the role of Runx2 in these process, we have done both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Alcian blue staining showed that cartilage formation in sagittal suture begins from embryonic stage 16 (E16), Meckel's cartilage formation in mandible from E12. We analyzed by in situ hybridization the characteristics of cartilage cells that type II collagen, not type X collagen, was expressed in sagittal sutural cartilage and Meckel's cartilage. In addition, Runx2 was not expressed in Meckel's cartilage as well as sagittal sutural cartilage, except specific expression pattern only surrounding both cartilages. FGF signaling pathway was further examined in vitro. Beads soaked in FGF2 placed on the sagittal suture and mandible inhibited both sutural and Meckel's cartilage formations. We next examined whether Runx2 gene lies in FGF siganling pathway during regulation of cartilage formation. Beads soaked in FGF2 on sagittal suture induced Runx2 gene expression. These results suggest that FGF signaling inhibits formations of sagittal sutural and Meckel's cartilages, also propose that FGF siganling is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of chondroblasts through regulating the transcription factor Runx2.