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Transposons: Unexpected players in cancer
Rajesh Kumar Pradhan1, Wusirika Ramakrishna1
1Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, India.
Gene
|September 30, 2021
Summary
Transposons, mobile DNA sequences, impact genome stability and evolution. Their dysregulation contributes to human cancers like lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, affecting gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transposons are repetitive DNA sequences comprising approximately 50% of the human genome.
- They are crucial for genome stability, diversity, and evolution, but their activity must be tightly regulated.
- Dysregulation of transposon expression is linked to various genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulatory mechanisms of transposons.
- To explore transposon deregulation in human carcinogenesis.
- To focus on the role of transposons in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of transposon regulation.
- Analysis of transposon-mediated gene alterations in cancer.
- Focus on LTR-retrotransposons, LINEs, and SINEs.
Main Results:
- Retrotransposons influence genes involved in cell reprogramming, tumor suppression, cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA repair.
- Transposon deregulation can lead to altered gene expression through mechanisms like alternative splicing, deletion, insertion, and duplication.
- Transposon activity is implicated in the development of lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Conclusions:
- Transposons play a significant role in genome regulation and evolution.
- Their deregulation is a contributing factor in human carcinogenesis.
- Further research into transposon biology is essential for understanding and potentially targeting cancer development.
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