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MicroRNAs regulate APOBEC gene expression

Wei Cao1, Wei Wu2,3

  • 1Translational Medical Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. caoweiyu@hotmail.com.

Histology and Histopathology
|June 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) deaminases are crucial for immunity but also drive cancer mutations. Targeting microRNAs could reduce APOBEC-driven mutagenesis and cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • APOBEC enzymes are conserved cytidine deaminases with roles in innate immunity.
  • APOBEC3-mediated mutations are prevalent in human cancers.
  • APOBEC3 activation may involve ATR/chk1 pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interaction between microRNAs and the APOBEC gene family.
  • To highlight the post-transcriptional regulation of APOBEC gene expression by microRNAs.
  • To explore the potential of microRNA targeting to reduce APOBEC-driven mutagenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on microRNA-APOBEC interactions.
  • Analysis of cancer genomics data regarding APOBEC-signature mutations.
  • Discussion of regulatory pathways involving APOBEC3 and ATR/chk1.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate APOBEC gene expression.
  • APOBEC3-mediated mutations are a significant factor in cancer development.
  • Specific microRNAs influence APOBEC activity.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs play a critical role in modulating APOBEC gene expression.
  • Targeting specific microRNAs offers a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate APOBEC-driven mutagenesis in cancer.

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