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.
