Hallmarks of cancer and AU-rich elements

Abstract

Post-transcriptional control of gene expression is aberrant in cancer cells. Sustained stabilization and enhanced translation of specific mRNAs are features of tumor cells. AU-rich elements (AREs), cis-acting mRNA decay determinants, play a major role in the posttranscriptional regulation of many genes involved in cancer processes. This review discusses the role of aberrant ARE-mediated posttranscriptional processes in each of the hallmarks of cancer, including sustained cellular growth, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1368. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1368. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.