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Transposable elements: The enemies within

Irene Scarfò1, Elisa Pellegrino1, Elisabetta Mereu1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.

Experimental Hematology
|July 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Transposable elements (TEs), like long terminal repeats and long interspersed nuclear elements, can drive cancer by acting as promoters when epigenetic control is lost. This highlights TEs as an underestimated factor in oncogenesis, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Cancer research is exploring non-genetic mechanisms driving tumor development.
  • The role of transposable elements (TEs) in cancer is not well understood.
  • Emerging evidence links epigenetic dysregulation to TE reactivation and cancer-promoting transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss key examples of transposable element-driven oncogenesis.
  • To highlight the significance of TEs in tumor development.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting TEs in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on TEs and cancer.
  • Analysis of experimental data implicating specific TEs in oncogenic transcription.
  • Discussion of the role of epigenetic control in TE activity.

Main Results:

  • Loss of epigenetic control leads to the reactivation of TEs.
  • Reactivated TEs, particularly long terminal repeats (LTRs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), can function as alternative promoters.
  • These repetitive elements are experimentally confirmed as significant contributors to oncogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements are a potent, underestimated force in cancer development.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in controlling TE activity and their oncogenic potential.
  • Understanding TEs opens new possibilities for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

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