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The role of Lin28A and Lin28B in cancer beyond Let-7
Sandra Cotino-Nájera1, Enrique García-Villa1, Samantha Cruz-Rosales1
1Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Lin28A and Lin28B are paralogous RNA-binding proteins that play fundamental roles in development and cancer by regulating the microRNA family of tumor suppressor Let-7. Although Lin28A and Lin28B share some functional similarities with Let-7 inhibitors, they also have distinct expression patterns and biological functions. Increasing evidence indicates that Lin28A and Lin28B differentially impact cancer stem cell properties, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the overexpression of Lin28A and Lin28B paralogs in specific cancer contexts. In this review, we summarize the main similarities and differences between Lin28A and Lin28B, their implications in different cellular processes, and their role in different types of cancer. In addition, we provide evidence of other specific targets of each lin28 paralog, as well as the lncRNAs and miRNAs that promote or inhibit its expression, and how this impacts cancer development and progression.
Insights
Lin28A and Lin28B proteins regulate the Let-7 tumor suppressor microRNA family in development and cancer. This review details their distinct roles in cancer progression, highlighting their importance in specific cancer contexts.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lin28A and Lin28B are paralogous RNA-binding proteins crucial for development and cancer.
- They regulate the Let-7 microRNA family, a key tumor suppressor.
- Despite similarities, Lin28A and Lin28B exhibit distinct expression patterns and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the similarities and differences between Lin28A and Lin28B.
- To elucidate their implications in cellular processes and various cancer types.
- To explore their specific targets, regulatory lncRNAs, and miRNAs in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Lin28A and Lin28B.
- Analysis of their roles in cancer hallmarks like stem cell properties and EMT.
- Investigation of regulatory networks involving lncRNAs and miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Lin28A and Lin28B differentially affect cancer stem cell properties, EMT, and metabolic reprogramming.
- Their overexpression is context-dependent and impacts cancer progression.
- Specific targets and regulatory mechanisms for each paralog are identified.
Conclusions:
- Understanding Lin28A and Lin28B paralogs is critical for cancer research.
- Their distinct roles and regulatory networks offer potential therapeutic targets.
- Further investigation into their specific functions can advance cancer treatment strategies.
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