Human PAF complexes in endocrine tumors and pancreatic cancer

Shonali Deb, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Shantibhusan Senapati, Parama Dey, Surinder K. Batra

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The human RNA polymerase II-associated factor (hPAF) complex is comprised of five subunits that include hPaf1, parafibromin, hLeo1, hCtr9 and hSki8. This multifaceted complex was first identified in yeast (yPAF) and subsequently in Drosophila and humans. Recent advances in the study on hPAF have revealed various functions of the complex in humans that are similar to yPAF, including efficient transcription elongation, mRNA quality control and cell cycle regulation. A major component of the hPAF complex, hPaf1, is amplified and overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. The parafibromin subunit of the hPAF complex is a product of the hereditary hyperparathyroidism type 2 (HRPT-2) tumor-suppressor gene, which is mutated in the germ line of hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor patients. This review evaluates the role of the hPAF complex and its individual subunits in endocrine and pancreatic cancers. It focuses on the functions of the hPAF complex and its individual subunits and dysregulation of the complex, thus providing an insight into its potential involvement in the development of endocrine cancers and other tumor types.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)557-565
Number of pages9
JournalExpert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume3
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2008

Keywords

  • Endocrine tumor
  • Oncogene
  • PAF complex
  • Transcription
  • Tumor suppressor gene
  • Wnt signaling
  • hPaf1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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