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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:49
Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
Hit proteins, mitochondria and cancer
Juliette Martin1, Marie V St-Pierre, Jean-François Dufour
1Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Visceral Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|February 15, 2011
Summary
The histidine triad (HIT) superfamily proteins, including HINT and FHIT, show tumor suppressor activity. Their precise roles in cancer bioenergetics and physiology are under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The histidine triad (HIT) superfamily is a conserved protein group found in all domains of life.
- HIT proteins share a characteristic His-ϕ-His-ϕ-His-ϕ-ϕ motif and bind nucleotides.
- Five distinct families of HIT proteins exist in humans, each with unique functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the tumor suppressor properties of HINT (Histidine Triad Nucleotide Binding) and FHIT (Fragile Histidine Triad) members.
- To explore the potential roles of HIT proteins in cancer bioenergetics.
- To discuss the known functions and disease associations of different HIT superfamily branches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and experimental evidence.
- Analysis of protein structures and enzymatic activities.
- Discussion of genetic links to diseases and cancer.
Main Results:
- HINT and FHIT proteins exhibit tumor suppressor properties, though their exact physiological roles are not fully elucidated.
- Aprataxin, a HIT member, is involved in DNA repair and linked to ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1.
- DcpS and GalT enzymes represent other HIT branches with distinct functions, not directly linked to tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- The molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of HINT and FHIT proteins in cancer bioenergetics are emerging.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the physiological roles and therapeutic potential of HIT superfamily members in cancer suppression.
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