The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene is a gene known to be a tumor suppressor, although recent datasuggest that it has a dual function in tumorigenesis. It was initially discovered in acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) in which a t(15; 17) chromosomal translocation fused it to the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα). Ithas been shown to be involved in various types of cancer. It has at least 6 nuclear isoforms and a cytoplasmictype with different characteristics. Its multiple functions in growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, replicativesenescence, inhibition of oncogenic transformation, and suppression of migration and angiogenesis have madeit a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. However, its dual role in the process of tumorigenesis has made thisfield challenging. In this review, we discuss PML structure, functions and expression in tumors.
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