MTA3

MTA3 (Metastasis Associated 1 Family, Member 3) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MTA3 gene. It is a part of the metastasis-associated protein (MTA) family, which plays a significant role in epigenetic regulation and gene expression. MTA3 has been implicated in various biological processes, including cell differentiation, development, and cancer progression. Its function is particularly notable in the context of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical event in tumor metastasis and progression.

Function

MTA3 acts within the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, a multi-subunit complex that is involved in chromatin remodeling and histone deacetylation. This complex plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression by altering the chromatin structure, thereby affecting DNA accessibility to transcription factors. MTA3 specifically has been shown to regulate the expression of the Snail family of transcription factors, which are key regulators of EMT, suggesting a role in the suppression of tumor metastasis by inhibiting EMT.

Clinical Significance

The expression levels of MTA3 have been studied in various cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. In some studies, reduced expression of MTA3 has been associated with poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential. This is because the loss of MTA3 expression can lead to the activation of EMT, promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Conversely, in certain contexts, MTA3 overexpression may contribute to the suppression of tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for cancer prognosis and as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Research

Research on MTA3 continues to explore its precise molecular mechanisms and its potential role in other diseases beyond cancer. Understanding the regulation of MTA3 and its interaction with other components of the NuRD complex could provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators in cancer and other diseases.