Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
BTG/TOB factors impact deadenylases
Fabienne Mauxion1, Chyi-Ying A Chen, Bertrand Séraphin
1Equipe Labellisée La Ligue, Centre de Génétique Moléculaire, CNRS FRE3144, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Abstract:
BTG/TOB factors are a family of antiproliferative proteins whose expression is altered in numerous cancers. They have been implicated in cell differentiation, development and apoptosis. Although proposed to affect transcriptional regulation, these factors interact with CAF1, a subunit of the main eukaryotic deadenylase, and with poly(A)-binding-proteins, strongly suggesting a role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The recent determination of the structures of BTG2, TOB1 N-terminal domain (TOB1N138) and TOB1N138-CAF1 complexes support a role for BTG/TOB proteins in mRNA deadenylation, a function corroborated by recently published functional characterizations. We highlight molecular mechanisms by which BTG/TOB proteins influence deadenylation and discuss the need for a better understanding of BTG/TOB physiological functions.
Insights
BTG/TOB proteins regulate gene expression by influencing mRNA deadenylation, a key process in post-transcriptional gene control. Understanding their function is crucial for cancer research and therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- BTG/TOB factors are antiproliferative proteins implicated in cancer, cell differentiation, development, and apoptosis.
- While proposed roles in transcriptional regulation exist, interactions with CAF1 and poly(A)-binding proteins suggest post-transcriptional functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of BTG/TOB proteins in mRNA deadenylation.
- To highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying BTG/TOB-mediated deadenylation.
- To emphasize the need for further investigation into the physiological functions of BTG/TOB proteins.
Main Methods:
- Structural determination of BTG2, TOB1 N-terminal domain (TOB1N138), and TOB1N138-CAF1 complexes.
- Functional characterization studies to corroborate the role in mRNA deadenylation.
Main Results:
- Structural data supports the involvement of BTG/TOB proteins in mRNA deadenylation.
- Recent functional studies confirm BTG/TOB proteins' role in the deadenylation process.
Conclusions:
- BTG/TOB proteins play a significant role in mRNA deadenylation, a critical post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism.
- Further research is required to fully understand the physiological implications of BTG/TOB proteins in cellular processes and disease.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
General Transcription Factors
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids
Transcription Factors
