Zhx2 and Zbtb20: Novel regulators of postnatal alpha-fetoprotein repression and their potential role in gene reactivation during liver cancer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

The mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene is abundantly expressed in the fetal liver, normally silent in the adult liver but is frequently reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma. The basis for AFP expression in the fetal liver has been studied extensively. However, the basis for AFP reactivation during hepatocarcinogenesis is not well understood. Two novel factors that control postnatal AFP repression, Zhx2 and Zbtb20, were recently identified. Here, we review the transcription factors that regulate AFP in the fetal liver, as well as Zhx2 and Zbtb20, and raise the possibility that the loss of these postnatal repressors may be involved in AFP reactivation in liver cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-27
Number of pages7
JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Some of the studies described here were supported by Public Health Service Grants DK074816 (B.T.S.) and DK059866 (B.T.S. and M.L.P.)

Funding

Some of the studies described here were supported by Public Health Service Grants DK074816 (B.T.S.) and DK059866 (B.T.S. and M.L.P.)

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesR01DK059866
U.S. Public Health ServiceDK059866, DK074816

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
      SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

    Keywords

    • Alpha-fetoprotein
    • Development
    • Hepatocellular carcinoma
    • Liver
    • Mouse
    • Transcription

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Cancer Research

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