Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive DNA sequences that can move from one location to another within a genome, thereby playing a crucial role in genomic innovation and variability. These elements have the ability to create mutations, alter the genome's structure, influence gene expression, chromatin architecture and immune responses, making them a driving force of genome evolution and function. Over evolutionary timescales, TEs and their degenerate copies become subject to epigenetic control mechanisms, which can have wide-ranging impacts on cellular processes. The dysregulation of TE regulatory mechanisms has been linked to various human diseases, including cancer and the aging process.
This Collection seeks to explore the multifaceted roles of TEs in cancer and aging. We welcome submissions that investigate how TEs influence cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, as well as their impact on cellular aging and senescence. Studies on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling TEs and how their dysregulation contributes to disease states are also welcome. We encourage researchers to contribute original research, reviews, and perspectives that will advance our understanding of TEs' roles in cancer and aging, highlighting novel therapeutic strategies and potential interventions to mitigate their adverse effects.
