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Human BLCAP transcript: new editing events in normal and cancerous tissues
Federica Galeano1, Anne Leroy, Claudia Rossetti
1Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Piazza S Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Cancer
|November 13, 2009
Summary
RNA editing of bladder cancer-associated protein (BLCAP) creates new protein forms. This editing is reduced in cancers, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic marker for malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Cancer research
Background:
- Bladder cancer-associated protein (BLCAP) is a conserved protein and potential tumor suppressor.
- Its regulation and function remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the RNA editing of the human BLCAP transcript.
- To explore the functional consequences of BLCAP editing and its role in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human BLCAP transcript for A-to-I RNA editing events.
- Identification of editing enzymes involved (ADAR1 and ADAR2).
- Comparison of BLCAP editing levels in normal tissues versus cancer tissues (astrocytomas, bladder, and colorectal cancer).
Main Results:
- Multiple A-to-I RNA editing events were identified in the human BLCAP transcript.
- Some editing events alter the protein's amino terminus, generating alternative isoforms.
- ADAR1 and ADAR2 enzymes cooperate in BLCAP editing.
- BLCAP editing levels were generally decreased in astrocytomas, bladder cancer, and colorectal cancer compared to normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- RNA editing significantly diversifies BLCAP protein isoforms.
- Reduced BLCAP editing in specific cancers suggests a potential link to tumorigenesis.
- BLCAP editing patterns may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for distinguishing malignancies.
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