Role of runt-related transcription factor 2 in signal network of tumors as an inter-mediator

• Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is over-expressed in human cancers and serves as a predictor of prognosis.
• Runx2 contributes to cancer malignant phenotypes by interacting with diverse co-factors.
• Runx2 involves in oncogenic, osteolytic and cell-fate regulation of human cancers.
• This review focuses on the involvement of RUNX2 in tumors in signal network and functions to develop feasible approaches for clinical treatment.

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is a member of the polyomavirus enhancer-binding protein 2/core-binding factor superfamily. RUNX2 is known for its contribution to osteoblast phenotype and bone formation. In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on the relationship of Runx2 with tumorigenesis. In different types of tumor cells, RUNX2 cooperates with its co-activators or co-inhibitors, and mediates the responses of cells to various signaling pathways that are hyperactive in tumors. Thus, several downstream target genes of RUNX2 are activated when RUNX2 interacts with its co-factors, leading to a variety of effects on tumor cells (epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, proliferation, and osteolytic lesion). This review focuses on the involvement of RUNX2 in tumor cells in the crosstalk of diverse signaling pathways and its multiple functions to develop optimal and feasible approaches for clinical treatment based on the functions of RUNX2.