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Noncoding RNAs within the HOX gene network in tumor pathogenesis and progression
Gerardo Botti1, Anna De Chiara1, Maurizio Di Bonito1
1Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|August 23, 2018
Summary
HOX genes regulate development and disease. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) within HOX loci modulate these genes, impacting cell biology and cancer progression, making them key targets for study.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- HOX genes are crucial for normal development, cell identity, metabolism, and apoptosis.
- Dysregulation of HOX genes, particularly paralogous group 13, is implicated in tumor pathogenesis and progression.
- Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are found within HOX loci.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ncRNAs in regulating the HOX gene network.
- To emphasize the involvement of these ncRNAs in normal cell biology and cancer pathogenesis.
- To highlight the potential of ncRNAs as modulators of HOX gene expression in disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HOX genes and ncRNAs.
- Analysis of ncRNA sequences within HOX loci.
- Examination of experimental evidence for ncRNA-mediated HOX gene regulation.
Main Results:
- Specific intergenic ncRNAs in HOX loci can directly modulate HOX gene expression.
- These ncRNAs are conserved across evolution and play roles in normal cellular functions.
- ncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their significant impact on cancer development and progression.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs within HOX loci are critical regulators of the HOX gene network.
- Understanding ncRNA regulation of HOX genes offers insights into normal development and disease.
- Targeting ncRNAs presents a potential therapeutic strategy for HOX-related diseases, especially cancer.
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