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CENP-A Regulation and Cancer
Charlène Renaud-Pageot1, Jean-Pierre Quivy1, Marina Lochhead1
1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Équipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Centromere protein A (CENP-A) is crucial for cell division. Its overexpression in cancer disrupts genome integrity and nuclear organization, presenting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Centromere protein A (CENP-A) is a histone H3 variant essential for centromere identity and kinetochore assembly in mammals.
- Proper regulation of CENP-A dynamics is vital for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize mechanisms regulating CENP-A.
- To review the link between CENP-A overexpression and cancer, focusing on chromatin organization.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of CENP-A in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CENP-A regulation and function in cancer.
- Analysis of studies on CENP-A mislocalization and its effects on genome integrity.
- Exploration of clinical implications of targeting CENP-A.
Main Results:
- CENP-A overexpression is observed in various cancers, leading to mislocalization outside centromeres.
- Altered CENP-A levels impact genome integrity, cell fate, and 3D nuclear organization.
- Perturbations in chromatin organization are associated with CENP-A overexpression in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- CENP-A plays a critical role beyond centromeric function in cancer development.
- Understanding CENP-A regulation and its aberrant roles offers potential avenues for cancer treatment.
- Targeting CENP-A may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for managing cancer.
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