An unregulated regulator: Vasa expression in the development of somatic cells and in tumorigenesis

Dev Biol. 2016 Jul 1;415(1):24-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.012. Epub 2016 May 11.

Abstract

Growing evidence in diverse organisms shows that genes originally thought to function uniquely in the germ line may also function in somatic cells, and in some cases even contribute to tumorigenesis. Here we review the somatic functions of Vasa, one of the most conserved "germ line" factors among metazoans. Vasa expression in somatic cells is tightly regulated and often transient during normal development, and appears to play essential roles in regulation of embryonic cells and regenerative tissues. Its dysregulation, however, is believed to be an important element of tumorigenic cell regulation. In this perspectives paper, we propose how some conserved functions of Vasa may be selected for somatic cell regulation, including its potential impact on efficient and localized translational activities and in some cases on cellular malfunctioning and tumorigenesis.

Keywords: DDX4; Germ line factors; Translation; Tumorigenesis; Vasa.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / physiology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Eukaryotic Cells / cytology
  • Eukaryotic Cells / enzymology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Germ Cells / enzymology
  • Glycolysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitosis
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • Regeneration

Substances

  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases