Immunoregulatory network and cancer-associated genes: molecular links and relevance to aging

Publication Type  Journal Article
Year of Publication  2011
Authors  Robi Tacutu, Arie Budovsky, Hagai Yanai, Marina Wolfson, Vadim Fraifeld
Journal Title  Network Biology
Volume  1
Issue  2
Pages  112-120
Journal Date  09/2011
Short Title  Immunoregulatory network and cancer-associated genes: molecular links and relevance to aging
Publisher  International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
ISSN Number  2220-8879
Key Words  immunoregulators; cancer genes; protein-protein interactions (PPI); PPI network; micro RNAs (miRNAs); aging
Abstract  

Although different aspects of cancer immunity are a subject of intensive investigation, an integrative view on the possible molecular links between immunoregulators and cancer-associated genes has not yet been fully considered. In an attempt to get more insights on the problem, we analyzed these links from a network perspective. We showed that the immunoregulators could be organized into a miRNA-regulated PPI network―the immunoregulatory network. This network has numerous links with cancer, including (i) cancerassociated immunoregulators, (ii) direct and indirect protein-protein interactions (through the common protein partners), and (iii) common miRNAs. These links may largely determine the interactions between the host's immunity and cancer, supporting the possibility for co-expression and post-transcriptional co-regulation of immunoregulatory and cancer genes. In addition, the connection between immunoregulation and cancer may lie within the realm of cancer-predisposing conditions, such as chronic inflammation and fibroproliferative repair. A gradual, age-related deterioration of the integrity and functionality of the immunoregulaory network could contribute to impaired immunity and generation of cancer-predisposing conditions.

URL  http://www.iaees.org/publications/journals/nb/articles/2011-1(2)/Immunoregulatory-network-and-cancer-associated-genes.pdf
DOI  DOI 10.0000/issn-2220-8879-networkbiology-2011-v1-0010
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