MECT1 (also known as MucoEpidermoid Carcinoma Translocated 1) functions as a transcriptional coactivator for CREB1, which activates transcription through both consensus and variant cAMP response element (CRE) sites. MECT1 does not appear to modulate CREB1 DNA-binding activity but enhances the interaction of CREB1 with TAF4/TAFII-130. MECT1 translocates with MAML2 (MasterMind-Like Protein 2) to yield a fusion oncogene: t(11,19) (q21,p13). This translocation occurs in mucoepidermoid carcinomas, benign Warthin tumors and clear cell hidradenomas. The novel fusion product that results disrupts the Notch signaling pathway. The fusion protein consists of the N-terminus of MECT1 joined to the C-terminus of MAML2. The reciprocal fusion protein consisting of the N-terminus of MAML2 joined to the C-terminus of MECT1 has been detected in a small number of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Multiple isoforms have been reported for the MECT1 protein. Tissue specificity: Highly expressed in adult and fetal brain. Located to specific regions such as the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Very low expression in other tissues such as heart, spleen, lung, skeletal muscle, salivary gland, ovary and kidney.
