The regulation of mRNA translation by RNA G-quadruplex structures contributes to cancer progression and resistance to treatment

Translational reprogramming in response to oncogenic signaling or microenvironmental stress factors shapes the proteome of cancer cells, enabling adaptation and phenotypic changes underlying cell plasticity, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy. Among the mechanisms regulating translation are RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s), non-canonical four-stranded structures whose conformational modulation by small molecule ligands and RNA-binding proteins affects the expression of cancer proteins. Here, we discuss the role of RG4s in the regulation of mRNA translation by focusing on paradigmatic examples showing their contribution to adaptive mechanisms of mRNA translation in cancer.

Collaborations and partnerships

• The Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale de la Recherche et de Technologie [to AD];

• Fondation pour la recherche médicale [to AD];

• Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer [to S.M.],

• Ligue contre le cancer [to S.M.];

• Cancérôpole Grand Sud-Ouest [to S.M.].