Role of Genomic Imprinting in Cancer Diagnosis

Author(s):  
Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 887
Author(s):  
Gaël Runel ◽  
Noémie Lopez-Ramirez ◽  
Julien Chlasta ◽  
Ingrid Masse

Since the crucial role of the microenvironment has been highlighted, many studies have been focused on the role of biomechanics in cancer cell growth and the invasion of the surrounding environment. Despite the search in recent years for molecular biomarkers to try to classify and stratify cancers, much effort needs to be made to take account of morphological and nanomechanical parameters that could provide supplementary information concerning tissue complexity adaptation during cancer development. The biomechanical properties of cancer cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix have actually been proposed as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The present review first describes the main methods used to study the mechanical properties of cancer cells. Then, we address the nanomechanical description of cultured cancer cells and the crucial role of the cytoskeleton for biomechanics linked with cell morphology. Finally, we depict how studying interaction of tumor cells with their surrounding microenvironment is crucial to integrating biomechanical properties in our understanding of tumor growth and local invasion.


Author(s):  
Eghbal Amidi ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
K. M. Shihab Uddin ◽  
Hongbo Luo ◽  
William Middleton ◽  
...  

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Arnaud

The cis-acting regulatory sequences of imprinted gene loci, called imprinting control regions (ICRs), acquire specific imprint marks in germ cells, including DNA methylation. These epigenetic imprints ensure that imprinted genes are expressed exclusively from either the paternal or the maternal allele in offspring. The last few years have witnessed a rapid increase in studies on how and when ICRs become marked by and subsequently maintain such epigenetic modifications. These novel findings are summarised in this review, which focuses on the germline acquisition of DNA methylation imprints and particularly on the combined role of primary sequence specificity, chromatin configuration, non-histone proteins and transcriptional events.


MicroRNA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani ◽  
Kamram Hosseini ◽  
Alireza Soleimanian ◽  
Liela Abkhooei ◽  
Akbar Mohammad Hoseini ◽  
...  

: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved non-coding RNAs involved in many physiological processes such as cell proliferation, inhibition, development of apoptosis, differentiation, suppresses tumorigenicity, and regulating cell growth. The description of the alterations of miRNA expression patterns in cancers will be helpful to recognize biomarkers for early detection and possible therapeutic intervention in the treatment of cancers. Recent studies have shown that miR-451 is broadly dysregulated in lung cancer and is a crucial agent in lung tumor progression. This review summarizes recent advances of the potential role of miR-451 in lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and provides an insight into the potential use of miR-451 for the development of advanced therapeutic methods in lung cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayah M. Liska ◽  
Angie Kolen

Abstract Purpose: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. Methods: One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. Results: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. Conclusion: These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the individuals’ treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alien Balian ◽  
Frank J. Hernandez

AbstractEarly cancer diagnosis is a crucial element to improved treatment options and survival. Great research efforts have been made in the search for better performing cancer diagnostic biomarkers. However, the quest continues as novel biomarkers with high accuracy for an early diagnosis remain an unmet clinical need. Nucleases, which are enzymes capable of cleaving nucleic acids, have been long considered as potential cancer biomarkers. The implications of nucleases are key for biological functions, their presence in different cellular counterparts and catalytic activity led the enthusiasm towards investigating the role of nucleases as promising cancer biomarkers. However, the most essential feature of these proteins, which is their enzymatic activity, has not been fully exploited. This review discusses nucleases interrogated as cancer biomarkers, providing a glimpse of their physiological roles. Moreover, it highlights the potential of harnessing the enzymatic activity of cancer-associated nucleases as a novel diagnostic biomarker using nucleic acid probes as substrates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyang Zhang ◽  
Cheng Wei ◽  
Hao Liang ◽  
Lei Han

Polo-like kinases (Plks) are critical regulatory molecules during the cell cycle process. This family has five members: Plk1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Plk4 has been identified as a master regulator of centriole replication, and its aberrant expression is closely associated with cancer development. In this review, we depict the DNA, mRNA, and protein structure of Plk4, and the regulation of Plk4 at a molecular level. Then we list the downstream targets of Plk4 and the hallmarks of cancer associated with these targets. The role of Plk4 in different cancers is also summarized. Finally, we review the inhibitors that target Plk4 in the hope of discovering effective anticancer drugs. From authors’ perspective, Plk4 might represent a valuable tumor biomarker and critical target for cancer diagnosis and therapy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document