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Transposable element regulation and expression in cancer.

Erin E Grundy1,2,3, Noor Diab1,2, Katherine B Chiappinelli1,2

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The FEBS Journal
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PubMed
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Transposable elements (TEs) are silenced in normal cells but can become active in cancer, contributing to tumor growth. Researchers are exploring how to use this TE activation for new cancer therapies.

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ERVsLINE-1LINEsP53SINEscancerepigeneticstransposable elementsviral mimicry

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) constitute a significant portion of the human genome (~45%).
  • TE expression is tightly regulated during development, silenced in differentiated cells but active in embryonic stem cells.
  • Epigenetic dysregulation in cancer can lead to the reactivation of previously silenced TEs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent findings on the consequences of transposable element activation in cancer.
  • To explore the dual role of TEs in promoting tumorigenesis.
  • To investigate the potential of targeting TEs for novel anticancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on transposable elements and cancer.
  • Analysis of epigenetic regulation mechanisms.
  • Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies targeting TE activity.

Main Results:

  • TEs can become transcriptionally active and potentially mobile during cancer development.
  • Activated TEs contribute to genomic instability and oncogenesis.
  • Specific TE families may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Reactivation of transposable elements is a hallmark of cancer-associated epigenetic changes.
  • Understanding TE activation mechanisms is crucial for developing innovative cancer treatments.
  • Transposable elements represent a promising, yet understudied, area for cancer research and therapeutic intervention.