How does RNA editing promote the growth of tumors?

Recently a new study provides new insights for the role which RNA (ribonucleic acid) may play in cancer. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports, allowing us to learn more about a new mechanism involved in tumor development and progression, and thus may lead to better treatment in the future.

In every healthy human cell, the genetic information connected to DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA and then translated into proteins - important component of all the body tissues and organs. Popular view is that the majority of malignant tumors are caused by mutations in the DNA, which can lead to abnormal activation of the corresponding protein abnormal activation or inactivation, leading to malignant cell growth and uncontrolled proliferation. RNA editing - through this process RNA sequence "mutate" in the transcript after the introduction and it is possible to affect a variety of cellular processes. But the exact mechanism is still unclear.

Previous studies have shown that there are more than one million sites in the genome edited in varying degrees. Although most of these sites belong to the area where proteins are not translated. But according to proof, the difference between RNA editing level tumors and normal tissue is related to the different clinical outcomes. Currently, only a few coding RNA editing site functionality has been characterized. However, whether and how the non-coding region of RNA editing in most things they affect tumor growth, remains a mystery.

In this study, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), analyzed 14 types of cancer, and identified over 2000 genes, RNA editing levels between tumor and normal tissues showed significant change.

The corresponding author, associate professor of medicine BUSM Stefano Monti explained, "This study shows that RNA editing can serve as an important cellular regulation of epigenetic mechanisms beyond genetics / DNA level. An epigenetic effect of components can be offset by change in another genetic component. Therefore, it is very important to have a comprehensive understanding in the change of cancer genomics. Loopholes of appropriate targeted therapy may be found."

Read more: http://www.cusabio.com/Polyclonal-Antibody/SLC34A2-Antibody-FITC-conjugated--11106194.html