Deregulated expression of Polycomb-group oncogenes in human malignant lymphomas and epithelial tumors.
Genes belonging to the Polycomb-group (PcG) are epigenetic gene silencers with a vital role in the maintenance of cell identity. They contribute to regulation of various processes in both embryos and adults, including the cell cycle and lymphopoiesis. A growing body of work has linked human PcG genes to various hematological and epithelial cancers, identifying novel mechanisms of malignant transformation and paving the way to development of new cancer treatments and identification of novel diagnostic markers. This review addresses the current insights in the role of PcG genes in development of human malignancies.
Raaphorst
Frank M
FM
Department of Pathology, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. fm.raaphorst@vumc.nl
D002453:Cell Cycle; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D002843:Chromatin; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins