TCF/LEF Transcription Factors: An Update from the Internet Resources

Abstract

T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) proteins (TCFs) from the High Mobility Group (HMG) box family act as the main downstream effectors of the Wnt signaling pathway. The mammalian TCF/LEF family comprises four nuclear factors designated TCF7, LEF1, TCF7L1, and TCF7L2 (also known as TCF1, LEF1, TCF3, and TCF4, respectively). The proteins display common structural features and are often expressed in overlapping patterns implying their redundancy. Such redundancy was indeed observed in gene targeting studies; however, individual family members also exhibit unique features that are not recapitulated by the related proteins. In the present viewpoint, we summarized our current knowledge about the specific features of individual TCFs, namely structural-functional studies, posttranslational modifications, interacting partners, and phenotypes obtained upon gene targeting in the mouse. In addition, we employed several publicly available databases and web tools to evaluate the expression patterns and production of gene-specific isoforms of the TCF/LEF family members in human cells and tissues.

The Long Non-Coding RNA CRNDE Promotes Colorectal Carcinoma Progression by Competitively Binding miR-217 with TCF7L2 and Enhancing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

“…As TCF7L2 is an effector of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway [34], it is possible that the inhibition of colorectal cell proliferation, migration and invasion induced by CRNDE knockdown was due to increased miR-217 expression and consequent inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. To test this hypothesis, the TOPflash assay was used to evaluate the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in HCT-116, Caco2 and HCT-15 cells.…”

MiRNA expression changes in arsenic-induced skin cancer in vitro and in vivo.

“…TCF7L2 is the most studied member of the mammalian TCF/LEF family of nuclear factors. TCF7L2 polymorphisms have been associated with type-2 diabetes susceptibility in several studies (290)(291)(292) and dysregulation of TCF7L2 may be related to the association of arsenic exposure and diabetes (293). The WNT signaling pathway is one of the main signaling mechanisms during embryogenesis and cancer development (290)(291)(292).…”

“…TCF7L2 polymorphisms have been associated with type-2 diabetes susceptibility in several studies (290)(291)(292) and dysregulation of TCF7L2 may be related to the association of arsenic exposure and diabetes (293). The WNT signaling pathway is one of the main signaling mechanisms during embryogenesis and cancer development (290)(291)(292). The β-catenin/TCF (including TCF7L2) complex is the key effector in the WNT pathway, which leads to the activation of downstream targets and increased cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and insulin sensitivity (290)(291)(292).…”

“…The WNT signaling pathway is one of the main signaling mechanisms during embryogenesis and cancer development (290)(291)(292). The β-catenin/TCF (including TCF7L2) complex is the key effector in the WNT pathway, which leads to the activation of downstream targets and increased cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and insulin sensitivity (290)(291)(292). Both β-catenin and TCF7L2 were induced at 7 weeks (1.41-and 1.13-fold, respectively).…”

“…E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion protein and a key gene in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT, which is WNT signalingrelated) (290)(291)(292). Low E-cadherin expression is associated with induction of EMT in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and breast cancer (294,295).…”