The role of PIWI proteins in glioma formation

Abstract

This review explores the role of PIWI proteins, particularly PIWIL1, in glioma formation. The overexpression and dysregulation of PIWIL1 is seen in gliomas, impacting normal cell function and tumor suppressor genes. It is unknown if the overexpression of PIWIL1 causes tumor formation or if tumor formation causes the protein to be overexpressed. Dysregulation of tumor-suppressing genes like BTG2, FBXW7, and P27 by PIWIL1 contributes to aberrant cell cycle progression and growth. Elevated levels of CCND2, NESTIN, OLIG2, and MCL1 due to PIWIL1 dysregulation further promote tumor growth. Evidence reveals that reducing PIWIL1 leads to decreased tumor size and increased survival in animal models. Additionally, the overexpression of MCL-1, a protein regulated by PIWIL1, compromises chemotherapy efficacy. This research suggests that PIWIL1 overexpression is pivotal in glioma tumorigenesis.