ELK3

ELK3 (also known as ETS domain-containing protein Elk-3 or Net) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ELK3 gene. It is a member of the ETS family of transcription factors and a downstream target of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway.

Function

ELK3 is a transcriptional repressor that plays a significant role in angiogenesis. The protein is known to bind to the DNA sequence 5'-CCGGAAGT-3'. It represses serum response element (SRE) mediated transcriptional activity, possibly by recruiting histone deacetylase complexes. ELK3 is also thought to be involved in the progression of melanoma and breast cancer.

Clinical Significance

ELK3 has been implicated in various types of cancer, including breast cancer and melanoma. It is thought to promote tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and repressing the transcription of genes that inhibit cell migration and invasion. Inhibition of ELK3 has been suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating these types of cancer.

Research

Research into the role of ELK3 in cancer progression is ongoing. Studies have shown that ELK3 expression is upregulated in breast cancer and melanoma cells, and that this upregulation is associated with increased tumor growth and metastasis. Inhibition of ELK3 expression has been shown to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in animal models.

See Also

• ETS transcription factor family
• Angiogenesis
• Breast cancer
• Melanoma