Targeting the nucleolus for cancer intervention.

Abstract

The contribution of the nucleolus to cancer is well established with respect to its traditional role in facilitating ribosome biogenesis and proliferative capacity. More contemporary studies however, infer that nucleoli contribute a much broader role in malignant transformation. Specifically, extra-ribosomal functions of the nucleolus position it as a central integrator of cellular proliferation and stress signaling, and are emerging as important mechanisms for modulating how oncogenes and tumor suppressors operate in normal and malignant cells. The dependence of certain tumor cells to co-opt nucleolar processes to maintain their cancer phenotypes has now clearly been demonstrated by the application of small molecule inhibitors of RNA Polymerase I to block ribosomal DNA transcription and disrupt nucleolar function (Bywater et al., 2012 [1]). These drugs, which selectively kill tumor cells in vivo while sparing normal cells, have now progressed to clinical trials. It is likely that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the potential of the nucleolus as a new target for cancer therapy, with "suppression of nucleolar stress" representing an emerging "hallmark" of cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Role of the Nucleolus in Human Disease.

• Authors: Jaclyn E Quin, Jennifer R Devlin, Donald Cameron, Kate M Hannan, Richard B Pearson, Ross D Hannan
• Journal: Biochimica et biophysica acta (Biochim Biophys Acta) Vol. 1842 Issue 6 Pg. 802-16 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 0006-3002 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 24389329 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Benzothiazoles
• CX 5461
• DNA, Ribosomal
• Naphthyridines
• TP53 protein, human
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
• RNA Polymerase I

Topics

• Benzothiazoles (pharmacology)
• Cell Nucleolus (genetics)
• Cell Transformation, Neoplastic (genetics)
• DNA, Ribosomal (genetics, metabolism)
• Genes, myc (genetics)
• Humans
• Naphthyridines (pharmacology)
• Neoplasms (genetics, pathology)
• RNA Polymerase I (antagonists & inhibitors, genetics, metabolism)
• Ribosomes (genetics, metabolism)
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 (genetics, metabolism)