The role of TRIM family proteins in the regulation of cancer stem cell self ‐renewal

The tripartite ‐motif (TRIM) family of proteins is involved in a variety of cellular functions and biological processes that facilitate acquisition or maintenance of stem cell self‐renewal. AbstractThe tripartite ‐motif (TRIM) family of proteins represents one of the largest classes of putative single protein RING‐finger E3 ubiquitin ligases. Members of this family are characterized by an N‐terminal TRIM motif containing one RING‐finger domain, one or two zinc‐finger domains called B boxes (B1 box and B2 box), and a coiled‐coil region. The TRIM motif can be found in isolation or in combination with a variety of C‐terminal domains, and based on C‐terminus, TRIM proteins are classified into 11 distinct groups.Because of the complex nature of TRIM proteins, they are implicated in a variety of cellular functions and biological processes, including regulation of cell proliferation, cell division and developmental processes, cancer transformation, regulation of cell metabolism, autophagocytosis, modification of chromatin status, regulation of gene transcription, post ‐translational modifications, and interactions with pathogens.Here, we demonstrate the specific activities of TRIM family proteins that contribute to the cancer stem cell phenotype. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that several TRIM members guarantee the acquisition of stem cell properties and the ability to sustain stem ‐like phenotype by cancer cells using distinct mechanisms. For other...
Source: Stem Cells - Category: Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Cancer Stem Cells Source Type: research