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Functional Assessment of BRCA1 variants using CRISPR-Mediated Base Editors
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Clinical Implications of APOBEC3-Mediated Mutagenesis in Breast Cancer

Pieter A Roelofs1,2, John W M Martens3, Reuben S Harris2,4,5

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|December 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

APOBEC3 enzymes drive cancer mutations and resistance, particularly in breast cancer. Detecting APOBEC3 activity could offer new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The APOBEC3 (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3) family of cytosine deaminases is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer genome mutagenesis.
  • This mutagenesis contributes to genomic heterogeneity within and between tumors, impacting therapeutic resistance in various cancers, including breast cancer.

Approach:

  • This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in detecting APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis.
  • It summarizes the regulatory pathways controlling APOBEC3 enzyme expression.
  • The clinical impact and potential therapeutic opportunities presented by APOBEC3 enzymes are explored.

Key Points:

  • APOBEC3 enzymes are significant drivers of cancer genome mutations.
  • Dysregulated APOBEC3 expression is linked to intratumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance.
  • Understanding APOBEC3 detection methods and expression is crucial for clinical applications.

Conclusions:

  • APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis shows promise as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer treatment.
  • APOBEC3 enzymes represent a potential novel therapeutic target for cancer therapy.

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