Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes: functions and roles in cancers

Abstract

Abstract Cancer, being the most formidable ailment, has had a profound impact on the human health. The disease is primarily associated with genetic mutations that impact oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Recently, growing evidence have shown that X‐linked TSGs have specific role in cancer progression and metastasis as well. Interestingly, our genome harbors around substantial portion of genes that function as tumor suppressors, and the X chromosome alone harbors a considerable number of TSGs. The scenario becomes even more compelling as X‐linked TSGs are adaptive to key epigenetic processes such as X chromosome inactivation. Therefore, delineating the new paradigm related to X‐linked TSGs, for instance, their crosstalk with autosome and involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis becomes utmost importance. Considering this, herein, we present a comprehensive discussion of X‐linked TSG dysregulation in various cancers as a consequence of genetic variations and epigenetic alterations. In addition, the dynamic role of X‐linked TSGs in sex chromosome–autosome crosstalk in cancer genome remodeling is being explored thoroughly. Besides, the functional roles of ncRNAs, role of X‐linked TSG in immunomodulation and in gender‐based cancer disparities has also been highlighted. Overall, the focal idea of the present article is to recapitulate the findings on X‐linked TSG regulation in the cancer landscape and to redefine their role toward improving cancer treatment strategies.

Keywords

• cancer signaling
• cancer therapy
• ncRNAs
• tumor suppressor genes (TSGs)
• X chromosome–autosome crosstalk
• X‐chromosome inactivation