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APOBEC3 genes: retroviral restriction factors to cancer drivers

Stephen Henderson1, Tim Fenton2

  • 1Bill Lyons Informatics Centre, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|March 31, 2015
PubMed

Insights

APOBEC3 enzymes are crucial for innate immunity but can also cause harmful DNA mutations during cancer development. Understanding their misdirected activity is key to cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • APOBEC3 enzymes are critical for innate immunity, functioning as DNA deaminases that restrict viral replication.
  • Recent cancer genomics and biochemical studies implicate APOBEC3 enzymes in somatic mutagenesis during tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking APOBEC3 enzymes to carcinogenesis.
  • To highlight key questions regarding APOBEC3's role in cancer, including misdirected activity, viral links, and genetic polymorphisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on APOBEC3 enzymes, cancer genomics, and biochemical characterization.
  • Analysis of evidence connecting APOBEC3s to somatic mutagenesis and tumor development.

Main Results:

  • At least two APOBEC3 family members are implicated in somatic mutagenesis in tumors.
  • Evidence suggests APOBEC3 activity can be misdirected to the host genome, contributing to carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • APOBEC3 enzymes represent a double-edged sword in cancer, essential for immunity but potentially oncogenic.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of misdirected APOBEC3 activity and its link to cancer risk and viral infections.
Keywords:
APOBECcancermutagenesis

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