L1 Retrotransposon and Retinoblastoma: Molecular Linkages Between Epigenetics and Cancer

Authors: Montoya-Durango, D.E.; Ramos, K.S.

Source: Current Molecular Medicine, Volume 10, Number 5, July 2010 , pp. 511-521(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are mobile sequences shown to play a fundamental role in eukaryotic genome evolution. Recently, increasing interest has been directed at unveiling molecular mechanisms by which LINE-1 (L1), a ubiquitous member of this family, regulates gene expression and mammalian cell development, differentiation, and cancer. This mini review summarizes recent studies conducted to examine stress-induced L1 reactivation, with special attention given to the role of E2F/Rb transcription factors in epigenetic silencing of L1 and its potential role as a global modifier of chromatin structure and function. The last section focuses on the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors in the regulation of gene function, chromatin structure, and cancer treatment through alterations in epigenetic signaling.

Keywords: Epigenetics; HDAC inhibitors; histone methylation; LINE-1; retinoblastoma

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156652410791608234

Publication date: 2010-07-01

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Current Molecular Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal focused on providing the readership with current and comprehensive reviews on fundamental molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, the development of molecular-diagnosis and/or novel approaches to rational treatment. The reviews should be of significant interest to basic researchers and clinical investigators in molecular medicine. Periodically the journal will invite guest editors to devote an issue on a basic research area that shows promise to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) of a disease or has potential for clinical applications.