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Mobile genetic elements and cancer. From mutations to gene therapy

I A Kozeretska1, S V Demydov, L I Ostapchenko

  • 1Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Kyiv, Ukraine. iryna.kozeretska@gmail.com

Experimental Oncology
|January 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Mobile elements like retroviruses and transposons are linked to cancer development and progression. Their activity in somatic cells is reviewed for potential use in cancer gene therapy and screening.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Mobile elements, including non-LTR retroelements (L1, Alu, SVA) and endogenous retroviruses, are components of the human genome.
  • These mobile elements have been implicated in various biological processes, including early development and disease.
  • Their activity in somatic cells is a growing area of research with potential implications for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between cancer and the activity of specific mobile elements in the human genome.
  • To present data on the involvement of transposons in embryogenesis and cancer development (malignization).
  • To review mechanisms of mobile element activation in mammalian somatic cells and their applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing data.
  • Examination of studies linking mobile element activity to cancer.
  • Review of research on transposon roles in development and disease.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a link between the activity of non-LTR retroelements (L1, Alu, SVA) and endogenous retroviruses and cancer.
  • Transposons appear to play roles in both normal embryogenesis and the process of cancer formation.
  • Mechanisms for mobile element activation in somatic cells are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Mobile element activity is associated with cancer, highlighting their potential role in oncogenesis.
  • Understanding transposon involvement in embryogenesis and malignization is crucial.
  • Mobile elements offer potential tools for genetic screening and novel cancer gene therapy strategies.

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