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RNA-biology ruling cancer progression? Focus on 3'UTRs and splicing
1Department of Biological Sciences and Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University (METU, ODTU), Dumlupinar Blv No: 1, Universiteler Mah, 06800, Ankara, Turkey. erson@metu.edu.tr.
Abstract:
The protein-coding regions of mRNAs have the information to make proteins and hence have been at the center of attention for understanding altered protein functions in disease states, including cancer. Indeed, the discovery of genomic alterations and driver mutations that change protein levels and/or activity has been pivotal in our understanding of cancer biology. However, to better understand complex molecular mechanisms that are deregulated in cancers, we also need to look at non-coding parts of mRNAs, including 3'UTRs (untranslated regions), which control mRNA stability, localization, and translation efficiency. Recently, these rather overlooked regions of mRNAs are gaining attention as mounting evidence provides functional links between 3'UTRs, protein functions, and cancer-related molecular mechanisms. Here, roles of 3'UTRs in cancer biology and mechanisms that result in cancer-specific 3'-end isoform variants will be reviewed. An increased appreciation of 3'UTRs may help the discovery of new ways to explain as of yet unknown oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation cases in cancers, and provide new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Insights
Exploring the roles of messenger RNA's 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) in cancer. These non-coding regions influence gene expression and may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genomics
Background:
- Protein-coding regions of mRNAs are central to understanding cancer.
- Genomic alterations affecting protein levels are key to cancer biology.
- Non-coding mRNA regions, like 3'UTRs, regulate mRNA stability, localization, and translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of 3'UTRs in cancer biology.
- To explore mechanisms generating cancer-specific 3'-end isoform variants.
- To highlight the potential of 3'UTRs in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on 3'UTRs in cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms altering 3'UTR structure and function.
- Synthesis of evidence linking 3'UTRs to cancer-related molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence links 3'UTRs to protein function and cancer mechanisms.
- 3'UTRs are increasingly recognized for their functional significance in cancer.
- Cancer-specific 3'-end variants arise through various mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding 3'UTRs is crucial for a comprehensive view of cancer biology.
- 3'UTRs offer potential for discovering novel oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation mechanisms.
- Further investigation of 3'UTRs may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic applications in oncology.
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