Twist-BRD4 complex: potential drug target for basal-like breast cancer

Curr Pharm Des. 2015;21(10):1256-61. doi: 10.2174/1381612821666141211153853.

Abstract

As an important basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, Twist associates with several physiological processes such as mesodermal development, and pathological processes such as Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. During cancer progression, Twist induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), potentiating cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Although many studies have revealed its multiple biological roles, it remained unclear how Twist transcriptionally activates targeted genes. Recently we discovered tip60-mediated Twist di-acetylation in the ''histone H4-mimic'' GK-X-GK motif. The di-acetylated Twist recruits BRD4 and related transcriptional components to super-enhancer of its targeted genes during progression of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). Here, we review this new advance of regulation and functional mechanism of Twist.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends*
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / drug effects
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology
  • Twist-Related Protein 1 / biosynthesis*
  • Twist-Related Protein 1 / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • BRD4 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TWIST1 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Twist-Related Protein 1