SALL4: Engine of Cell Stemness

Title:SALL4: Engine of Cell Stemness

Volume: 14 Issue: 5

Author(s): Jianhua Xiong

Affiliation:

Keywords: Cancer, Duane syndrome, embryonic development, hematopoiesis, Sall4, stem cell.

Abstract: The spalt (sal) family is a class of evolutionarily conserved genes originally identified in Drosophila as homeotic genes required for embryonic development. In vertebrates, the expression of sal-like 4 (SALL4) is specifically enriched in both embryonic and adult stem/stem-like cells. SALL4 is a master regulator that contributes to cell stemness in biological development and tumor growth. Thus, Sall4 has emerged as a target for gene therapy. In addition, numerous mutations affecting the Sall4 gene have been discovered and clinically linked to a series of congenital abnormalities, such as Duane/Duane-related syndromes, ventricular septal defect and premature ovarian failure. This review delineates the underlying mechanisms of key functions of SALL4 and its use as a target for gene therapy. Finally, I summarize and discuss advances made on the application of Sall4 and its functions in diagnostics and treatments for human diseases.

Cite this article as:

Xiong Jianhua, SALL4: Engine of Cell Stemness, Current Gene Therapy 2014; 14 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1566523214666140825125138