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APOBEC: A molecular driver in cervical cancer pathogenesis
Sundaramoorthy Revathidevi1, Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan2, Hirofumi Nakaoka3
1Department of Genetics, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, 600113, India; Division of Human Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, 411-8540, Japan.
Cancer Letters
|October 10, 2020
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. DNA-editing APOBEC3 enzymes, involved in HPV restriction, may also drive cervical cancer mutations through aberrant DNA editing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Cervical cancer is a common women's cancer, with human papillomavirus (HPV) as a primary risk factor.
- Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to cervical cancer pathogenesis.
- The APOBEC3 family of DNA-editing enzymes has emerged as a significant factor in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis of cervical cancer.
- To discuss the role of APOBEC enzymes in the molecular pathogenesis of cervical cancer.
- To highlight the dual role of APOBEC3 in restricting HPV and potentially inducing tumor mutations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cervical cancer pathogenesis.
- Analysis of recent findings on APOBEC family's role in cancer.
- Focus on APOBEC3's DNA/RNA editing mechanisms and antiviral activities.
Main Results:
- APOBEC3 enzymes exhibit innate antiviral activity against viruses including HPV.
- Aberrant DNA editing by APOBEC3 can induce tumor mutations.
- APOBEC3 enzymes play a complex role in cervical cancer development.
Conclusions:
- APOBEC3 enzymes are critical in controlling HPV infection.
- Dysregulation of APOBEC3 activity may contribute to cervical cancer development.
- Further research into APOBEC3's role is crucial for understanding cervical cancer pathogenesis.
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