Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Associated with MEN1 Gene Mutation

Abstract

Despite recent advances in genomics and the discovery of numerous genes involved in carcinogenesis, the mechanisms of malignant transformation of different tissues remain poorly understood in most cases. This review presents the current knowledge on the role of the MEN1 gene and its protein product menin in the development of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), or Wermer’s syndrome. Here, we discuss the putative molecular and genetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis associated with the MEN1 gene mutation, as well as available and promising in vivo and in vitro models for studying the molecular basis of the disease. The lack of clear data on the role of the MEN1 gene in tumor initiation and progression in patients with MEN1 syndrome allows us to suggest two models for occurrence of malignant transformation in endocrine tissues.