# Pogo transposons provide tools to restrict cancer growth

## TL;DR

A gene from a transposon, POGK, acts as a tumor suppressor in aggressive breast cancer by controlling ribosome production and cell growth.

## Contribution

The study reveals POGK's tumor-suppressive role in triple-negative breast cancer through its interaction with TRIM28 and regulation of ribosomal genes.

## Key findings

- POGK, derived from a transposon, functions as a tumor suppressor in triple-negative breast cancer.
- POGK interacts with TRIM28 to repress ribosomal genes and restrict cell growth.
- An isoform switch in POGK leads to loss of its tumor-suppressive activity.

## Abstract

Transposable elements provide material for novel gene formation. In particular, DNA transposons have contributed several essential genes involved in various physiological or pathological conditions. Here, we discuss recent findings by Tu et al. in Molecular Cell that identify Pogo transposon‐derived gene POGK as tumor suppressor in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) by regulating ribosome biogenesis and restricting cell growth. An isoform‐switch in TNBC results in the loss of POGK capacity to recruit the epigenetic corepressor TRIM28 and to exert its repressive functions. These findings shed light on the potential for TE‐derived genes in providing new therapeutic opportunities for highly malignant TNBC.

Here, we discuss findings by Tu et al. showing that POGK, a gene derived from the pogo DNA transposon, has tumor‐suppressor functions in triple‐negative breast cancer. POGK interacts with the corepressor TRIM28 to inactivate gene targets, including several ribosomal genes. POGK function is regulated by a switch between the full‐length isoform and a shorter one devoid of repressive functions.