Role of Transcription Factor BEND3 and Its Potential Effect on Cancer Progression

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that approximately one in six deaths globally are due to cancer. Understanding the causes of cancer is critical for prevention, early detection, treatment optimization, public health planning, and to make informed decisions to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and society. Transcription factors via multiple pathways have been shown to exert significant influence over gene expression programs and cellular processes involved in cancer progression. Understanding the role of transcription factors during these processes can provide critical insights into the underlying molecular mechanism and help develop therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the possible pathways via which the transcription factor BEND3 may serve as a driver for cancer development. BEND3 is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression in mammals. While there is limited research on the role of BEND3 as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene and its potential role in cancer therapy is still emerging, several studies suggest that it may be involved in both the processes. Its interaction and regulation with multiple other factors via p21 have already been reported to play a significant role in cancer development, which serves as an indication of its potential role in oncogenesis. Its interaction with chromatin modifiers such as NuRD and NoRC and its role in the recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are some of the additional events indicative of its potential role in cancer development. Moreover, a few recent studies indicate BEND3 as a potential target for cancer therapy. Since the specific mechanisms by which BEND3 may contribute to cancer progression are not yet fully elucidated, in this review, we have discussed the possible pathways BEND3 may take to serve as an oncogenic driver or suppressor.