Frontiers in Oncology (Jan 2023)

Emerging functions of C/EBPβ in breast cancer

  • Megan G. Matherne,
  • Emily S. Phillips,
  • Samuel J. Embrey,
  • Caitlin M. Burke,
  • Heather L. Machado,
  • Heather L. Machado

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2023.1111522
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Breast tumorigenesis relies on complex interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment, orchestrated by tightly regulated transcriptional networks. C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types and modulates a variety of biological processes such as tissue homeostasis and the immune response. In addition, C/EBPβ has well-established roles in mammary gland development, is overexpressed in breast cancer, and has tumor-promoting functions. In this review, we discuss context-specific roles of C/EBPβ during breast tumorigenesis, isoform-specific gene regulation, and regulation of the tumor immune response. We present challenges in C/EBPβ biology and discuss the importance of C/EBPβ isoform-specific gene regulation in devising new therapeutic strategies.

Keywords