Regulation and function of capicua in mammals

Abstract

Capicua (CIC) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor. CIC contains a high-mobility group (HMG) box that recognizes specific DNA sequences to regulate the expression of various target genes. CIC was originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster as a transcriptional repressor that suppresses the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. This molecule controls normal organ growth and tissue patterning as well as embryogenesis in Drosophila. Recent studies have also demonstrated its extensive functions in mammals. For example, CIC regulates several developmental and physiological processes, including lung development, abdominal wall closure during embryogenesis, brain development and function, neural stem cell homeostasis, T cell differentiation, and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. CIC is also associated with the progression of various types of cancer and neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type-1, systemic autoimmunity, and liver injury. In this review, I provide a broad overview of our current understanding of the regulation and functions of CIC in mammals and discuss future research directions. Gene regulation: The role of the capicua protein in mammals A gene-regulating protein named capicua, first discovered in fruit flies, is being increasingly implicated in important roles in the early development and adult physiology of mammals. Capicua is a transcription factor, a protein that binds to specific locations in DNA and influences the rate at which genetic information is used by a cell to make RNA molecules and proteins. Yoontae Lee at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea reviews current understanding of the role of capicua in mammals. Key processes that have been linked to its activity include the development of lungs, nerves, the brain and the immune system. It also influences the progression of various diseases, and has an apparent tumor-suppressing effect in cancer. Future research should focus on understanding capicua's mechanism of action and its significance in human disease.