What Mechanisms Does HOTAIR Use to Promote Cancer?
HOTAIR exerts its oncogenic effects through several mechanisms:
Epigenetic Modulation: HOTAIR recruits PRC2 and LSD1 complexes to specific genomic loci, leading to the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) and demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4), respectively. These modifications result in the silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Interaction with MicroRNAs: HOTAIR can act as a molecular sponge for various microRNAs (miRNAs), sequestering them and preventing them from targeting their mRNA targets, which are often tumor suppressor genes. Regulation of Signaling Pathways: HOTAIR influences multiple signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway, which are crucial for cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
