LMO3, also known as LIM domain only 3, is a transcription factor that interacts with other transcription factors to regulate target genes involved in embryonic development. It plays crucial roles in various biological processes, including adipocyte metabolism, immune response, cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, and neural development [1,2,3,4,5]. Genetic models, such as gene knockout (KO) mouse models, have been valuable in studying LMO3's functions.

In a KO mouse model of Lmo3, genetic deficiency was associated with altered mood-related behaviors, including anxiety-like and depression-like traits, as well as impairments in learned fear. RNA-Seq analysis of the basolateral amygdala tissue in these mice revealed a significant overlap between overexpressed genes and those enriched in the amygdala of major depressive disorder patients [4]. In addition, knockdown of LMO3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells repressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and retarded cell migration and invasion [3]. In gastric cancer cells, knockdown of LMO3 suppressed invasion, proliferation, and the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, and GSK3β signaling [6].

In conclusion, LMO3 is essential in multiple biological processes. Model-based research, especially KO mouse models, has shown its significance in areas such as mood-related behaviors and cancer. Understanding LMO3's functions provides insights into the pathophysiology of these conditions, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies.