Autor: |
Fitieh A; Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.; Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada., Locke AJ; Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada., Motamedi M; Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada., Ismail IH; Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.; Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada. |
Abstrakt: |
The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a class of transcriptional repressors that mediate gene silencing through histone post-translational modifications. They are involved in the maintenance of stem cell self-renewal and proliferation, processes that are often dysregulated in cancer. Apart from their canonical functions in epigenetic gene silencing, several studies have uncovered a function for PcG proteins in DNA damage signaling and repair. In particular, members of the poly-comb group complexes (PRC) 1 and 2 have been shown to recruit to sites of DNA damage and mediate DNA double-strand break repair. Here, we review current understanding of the PRCs and their roles in cancer development. We then focus on the PRC1 member BMI1, discussing the current state of knowledge of its role in DNA repair and genome integrity, and outline how it can be targeted pharmacologically. |