Abstract

The high mobility group A (HMGA) non-histone chromatin proteins alter chromatin structure and thereby regulate the transcription of several genes by either enhancing or suppressing transcription factors. This protein family is implicated, through different mechanisms, in both benign and malignant neoplasias. Rearrangements of HMGA genes are a feature of most benign human mesenchymal tumours. Conversely, unrearranged HMGA overexpression is a feature of malignant tumours and is also causally related to neoplastic cell transformation. Here, we focus on the role of the HMGA proteins in human neoplastic diseases, the mechanisms by which they contribute to carcinogenesis, and therapeutic strategies based on targeting HMGA proteins.

Author affiliations

1. Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
2. Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR, via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
3. NOGEC (Naples Oncogenomic Center)-CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate-Napoli, & SEMM (European School of Molecular Medicine) Naples Site, via Comunale Margherita, 482, 80145, Naples, Italy.

Correspondence to: Alfredo Fusco^1,2,3 Email: afusco@napoli.com

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.