Gene of the month: GATA3

J Clin Pathol. 2023 Dec;76(12):793-797. doi: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209017. Epub 2023 Sep 19.

Abstract

GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) is a zinc-finger pioneer transcription factor involved in diverse processes. GATA3 regulates gene expression through binding nucleosomal DNA and facilitating chromatin remodelling. Post-translational modifications modulate its activity. During development, GATA3 plays a key role in cell differentiation. Mutations in GATA3 are linked to breast and bladder cancer. GATA3 expression is a feature of the luminal subtype of bladder cancer and has implications for immune status and therapeutic response. It also has clinical relevance in squamous cell carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas. This paper reviews the structure and function of GATA3, its role in cancer and its use and pitfalls as an immunohistochemical marker.

Keywords: breast neoplasms; immunohistochemistry; molecular biology; pathology, molecular; urologic neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Breast / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Female
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • GATA3 protein, human