Menin: a scaffold protein that controls gene expression and cell signaling

S Matkar, A Thiel, X Hua - Trends in biochemical sciences, 2013 - cell.com
S Matkar, A Thiel, X Hua
Trends in biochemical sciences, 2013cell.com
The protein menin is encoded by the MEN1 gene, which is mutated in patients with multiple
endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Although menin acts as a tumor suppressor
in endocrine organs, it is required for leukemic transformation in mouse models. Menin
possesses these dichotomous functions probably because it can both positively and
negatively regulate gene expression, as well as interact with a multitude of proteins with
diverse functions. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding the molecular …
The protein menin is encoded by the MEN1 gene, which is mutated in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Although menin acts as a tumor suppressor in endocrine organs, it is required for leukemic transformation in mouse models. Menin possesses these dichotomous functions probably because it can both positively and negatively regulate gene expression, as well as interact with a multitude of proteins with diverse functions. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which menin functions. The crystal structures of menin with different binding partners reveal that menin is a key scaffold protein that functionally crosstalks with various partners to regulate gene transcription and interplay with multiple signaling pathways.
cell.com