PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

Critical appraisal of the piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer and cancer stem cells

Biomarker Research, ISSN: 2050-7771, Vol: 12, Issue: 1, Page: 15
2024
  • 3
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 21
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

Review Description

Small noncoding RNAs play an important role in various disease states, including cancer. PIWI proteins, a subfamily of Argonaute proteins, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were originally described as germline-specific molecules that inhibit the deleterious activity of transposable elements. However, several studies have suggested a role for the piRNA-PIWI axis in somatic cells, including somatic stem cells. Dysregulated expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in human tumors implies that, analogously to their roles in undifferentiated cells under physiological conditions, these molecules may be important for cancer stem cells and thus contribute to cancer progression. We provide an overview of piRNA biogenesis and critically review the evidence for the role of piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer stem cells. In addition, we examine the potential of piRNAs and PIWI proteins to become biomarkers in cancer.

Bibliographic Details

Garcia-Borja, Elena; Siegl, Frantisek; Mateu, Rosana; Slaby, Ondrej; Sedo, Aleksi; Busek, Petr; Sana, Jiri

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology; Medicine

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know