Transcription factor whose activation results in up-regulation of target genes, such as IGFII, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation: when overexpressed in cultured cells, higher proliferation rate and transformation are observed. Other target genes such as CRLF1, CRABP2, CRIP2, PIGF are strongly induced in cells with PLAG1 induction. Proto-oncogene whose ectopic expression can trigger the development of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary gland and lipoblastomas. Overexpression is associated with up-regulation of IGFII, is frequently observed in hepatoblastoma, common primary liver tumor in childhood. Cooperates with CBFB-MYH11, a fusion gene important for myeloid leukemia.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Strong nucleolar localization when sumoylation is inhibited.
Expressed in fetal tissues such as lung, liver and kidney. Not detected or weak detection in normal adult tissues, but highly expressed in salivary gland with benign or malignant pleiomorphic adenomas with or without 8q12 aberrations, with preferential occurrence in benign tumors.