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Muscle-Specific FXR1 Isoforms in Squamous Cell Cancer
Jesse J McClure1, Viswanathan Palanisamy1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Trends in Cancer
|February 14, 2019
Summary
The fragile-X mental retardation autosomal 1 (FXR1) protein is elevated in head and neck cancers. Specific FXR1 isoforms that bind G-quadruplex structures may contribute to cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The fragile-X mental retardation autosomal 1 (FXR1) protein is implicated in various cellular processes.
- FXR1 is known to be upregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).
- FXR1 exists as multiple isoforms in humans, but their specific roles in cancer are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific FXR1 isoforms in the pathogenesis of HNSCC.
- To identify which FXR1 isoforms are capable of binding to G-quadruplex structures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of FXR1 expression in HNSCC samples.
- Identification and characterization of FXR1 isoforms.
- Assessment of RNA-binding capabilities of FXR1 isoforms, particularly for G-quadruplex structures.
Main Results:
- FXR1 is upregulated in HNSCC.
- At least seven FXR1 isoforms are expressed in humans.
- Only two specific FXR1 isoforms demonstrate the ability to bind to G-quadruplex containing RNA.
Conclusions:
- The unique G-quadruplex-binding isoforms of FXR1 are likely involved in the development of HNSCC.
- Targeting these specific isoforms may offer a therapeutic strategy for HNSCC.
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