DICER1: mutations, microRNAs and mechanisms

WD Foulkes, JR Priest, TF Duchaine - Nature Reviews Cancer, 2014 - nature.com
WD Foulkes, JR Priest, TF Duchaine
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2014nature.com
Dicer is central to microRNA-mediated silencing and several other RNA interference
phenomena that are profoundly embedded in cancer gene networks. Most recently, both
germline and somatic mutations in DICER1 have been identified in diverse types of cancer.
Although some of the mutations clearly reduce the dosage of this key enzyme, others dictate
surprisingly specific changes in select classes of small RNAs. This Review reflects on the
molecular properties of the Dicer enzymes in small RNA silencing pathways, and …
Abstract
Dicer is central to microRNA-mediated silencing and several other RNA interference phenomena that are profoundly embedded in cancer gene networks. Most recently, both germline and somatic mutations in DICER1 have been identified in diverse types of cancer. Although some of the mutations clearly reduce the dosage of this key enzyme, others dictate surprisingly specific changes in select classes of small RNAs. This Review reflects on the molecular properties of the Dicer enzymes in small RNA silencing pathways, and rationalizes the newly discovered mutations on the basis of the activities and functions of its determinants.
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