Tumor Suppressor Gene ARID1A in Cancers

Abstract: Chromatin remodeling complex genes are found to be frequently mutated in a variety of human cancers. However， the mechanisms by which chromatin remodeling complexes contribute to the cancer phenotype are poorly understood. ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A) is a large subunit of SWI/SNF (BRG1-associated factors) chromatin remodeling complex. ARID1A has a DNA-binding domain that can specifically bind an AT-rich DNA sequence. Recent exome sequencing studies reveal that ARID1A is frequently mutated in carcinomas， including ovarian， liver， gastric and breast cancers. These mutations cause the reduced expression of ARID1A in cancers， which indicates that ARID1A might be a tumor suppressor. Here， we review recent studies of ARID1A mutation and low expression in cancers. We summarize the novel findings on the biological functions and the regulatory tumor-suppressing mechanisms of ARID1A. We also review the discoveries of the relationship between ARID1A mutations and clinic prognosis. Our review will provide beneficial information for the development of new antitumor diagnosis and therapy.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2014.01.0020