PerspectiveTransposable elements: The enemies within

- Transposable elements (TEs) play a significant role in the evolution of an organism.
- Long terminal repeats and long interspersed nuclear elements promote oncogenic transcription in solid and hematological malignancies.
- Targeting epigenetic regulation could be a valid option for the treatment of TE-driven tumors.

Understanding transformation mechanisms other than genetic aberrations has recently captured the attention of cancer researchers. To date, the role of transposable elements (TEs) in tumor development remains largely undefined. However, an increasing number of studies have reported that loss of epigenetic control causes TE reactivation and consequent oncogenic transcription. Here, we discuss principal examples of TEs-driven oncogenesis. Available data suggest that long terminal repeats and long interspersed nuclear elements play a pivotal role as alternative promoters. These findings provide definitive experimental evidence that repetitive elements are a powerful underestimated force toward oncogenesis and open the possibility to new therapeutic treatments.