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Pseudogenes as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Human Cancers

Cristina Sisu1

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, College of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK. Cristina.Sisu@brunel.ac.uk.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pseudogenes, once dismissed as "junk DNA," are now recognized for their crucial roles in cancer. Research reveals their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, particularly in various solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Pseudogenes were historically considered non-functional "junk DNA".
  • Recent advancements in genomics have revealed significant biological functions for pseudogenes.
  • Pseudogenes play critical roles in the pathogenesis and regulation of various diseases, notably cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the functional and regulatory roles of pseudogenes in cancer.
  • To investigate the potential of pseudogenes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
  • To identify pseudogenes with therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Integrative analysis of large-scale cancer genomics data.
  • Review of clinical research on pseudogene expression and function in cancer.
  • Identification and characterization of pseudogenes involved in oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Pseudogenes can be transcribed and translated, influencing gene activity.
  • Pseudogenes act as regulators of oncogenes and tumor suppressors.
  • Overexpressed pseudogenes are frequently associated with oncogenic roles in colorectal, liver, lung, and gastric cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudogenes possess significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarker potential.
  • Pseudogenes can serve as unique biomarkers or in combination with other genetic elements.
  • Several pseudogenes represent promising targets for future cancer therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
BiomarkerHuman cancerPseudogeneTherapeutic target

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