Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3C (APOBEC3C) (APOBEC3C)

Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3C (APOBEC3C) is a member of the APOBEC family of cytidine deaminases that plays a critical role in the innate immune response against viral pathogens (UniProt Q9NRW3). It functions by deaminating cytosine residues to uracil in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) intermediates during the replication of retroviruses, such as HIV-1, and retrotransposons (PubMed: 17060611). This enzymatic activity results in G-to-A hypermutations in the viral genome, which can lead to the production of non-functional viral proteins and restriction of viral replication (PubMed: 22855494). Beyond its antiviral role, APOBEC3C has been implicated in the development of various cancers, where its dysregulated activity contributes to the characteristic APOBEC mutational signature observed in many tumor types (PubMed: 25107348). While it serves as a natural defense mechanism, its ability to induce genomic mutations makes it a double-edged sword, potentially driving tumor evolution and drug resistance (PubMed: 23945592). Currently, APOBEC3C is being explored as a therapeutic target, with research focusing on small-molecule inhibitors to prevent cancer-associated mutagenesis or modulators to enhance its antiviral efficacy (PubMed: 30104378).

Other names

A3CAPOBEC3CLPBIARDC4ARP5Phoebe

Inhibition of cytidine deaminase activity to prevent genomic mutagenesis or modulation of activity to enhance viral restriction.