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TFIIH: New Discoveries Regarding its Mechanisms and Impact on Cancer Treatment
Mario Zurita1, Grisel Cruz-Becerra1
1Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, México.
Abstract:
The deregulation of gene expression is a characteristic of cancer cells, and malignant cells require very high levels of transcription to maintain their cancerous phenotype and survive. Therefore, components of the basal transcription machinery may be considered as targets to preferentially kill cancerous cells. TFIIH is a multisubunit basal transcription factor that also functions in nucleotide excision repair. The recent discoveries of some small molecules that interfere with TFIIH and that preferentially kill cancer cells have increased researchers' interest to elucidate the complex mechanisms by which TFIIH operates. In this review, we summarize the knowledge generated during the 25 years of TFIIH research, highlighting the recent advances in TFIIH structural and mechanistic analyses that suggest the potential of TFIIH as a target for cancer treatment.
Insights
Cancer cells rely on high transcription levels, making basal transcription factors like TFIIH potential therapeutic targets. Research shows TFIIH (Transcription Factor II H) is crucial for cancer survival and repair, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit deregulated gene expression, necessitating high transcription levels for survival and maintaining their malignant phenotype.
- The basal transcription machinery, essential for gene expression, represents a promising target for selective cancer cell elimination.
- TFIIH (Transcription Factor II H) is a key basal transcription factor with a dual role in transcription and DNA repair.
Conclusions:
- TFIIH is a validated target for cancer therapy due to its essential role in cancer cell survival.
- Targeting TFIIH offers a promising strategy for developing novel anti-cancer drugs.
- Continued research into TFIIH mechanisms will likely yield further therapeutic opportunities.
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