RUNX3: A Location-oriented Genome Coordinator

Transcription factors are key components in gene expression and are associated with various diseases. Transcription factors maintain the stability of gene transcription and cell function. Among the transcription factors, the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family regulates growth and development in a tissue-specific manner and is involved in tumorigenesis. The function of an important member of the RUNX family, RUNX3, was shown to be closely related to its subcellular localization. Normally, RUNX3 promotes or represses gene transcription in the nucleus; however, when RUNX3 is restricted in the cytoplasm, RUNX3 fails to function and only has a minor effect o gene expression. Hence, the risk of tumorigenesis cannot simply be equated with the level of RUNX3 expression, which makes the diagnosis and treatment of cancer more complicated. The cytoplasmic localization of RUNX3 has been shown to be associated with a variety of tumors. Herein we have summarized the current information on RUNX3 mis-localization and RUNX3 promotion of tumorigenesis, thus providing new insight for future investigations to elucidate the mechanisms by which RUNX3 regulates tumorigenesis.