Expression of Transcription Factor in Human Tissues.

Cyclic AMP element modulator (CREM) is a transcription factor best known for its intricate involvement in spermatogenesis. The gene encodes for multiple protein isoforms, which can enhance or repress transcription of target genes. Recent studies have identified fusion genes, with as a partner gene in many neoplastic diseases. fusion genes have been found in several mesenchymal tumors and in salivary gland carcinoma. These genes encode fusion proteins that include the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of CREM. We used a transcriptomic approach and immunohistochemistry to study the expression of CREM isoforms that include DNA-binding domains across human tissues. We found that CREM protein is widely expressed in almost all normal human tissues. A transcriptomic analysis of normal tissues and cancer showed that transcription of can be altered in tumors, suggesting that also wild-type CREM may be involved in cancer biology. The wide expression of CREM protein in normal human tissues and cancer may limit the utility of immunohistochemistry for identification of tumors with fusions.