The role of retrotransposons in hematopoiesis and cancer

Abstract Retrotransposons are DNA elements capable of inserting themselves into various regions of the genome, potentially leading to genomic changes. Their expression is tightly regulated by epigenetic and environmental factors, such as DNA methylation and radiation. For a long time, the effects of retrotransposons were poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, recent studies have demonstrated the significant role retrotransposons play in hematopoiesis under both healthy and stress conditions, such as during pregnancy or infection. Additionally, the expression of retrotransposons has been strongly correlated with various types of cancer. Depending on the cancer type, retrotransposons appear to exert both protumorigenic and antitumorigenic effects. This review summarizes current findings on the role of retrotransposons in hematopoiesis and cancer and highlights their potential as valuable tools for diagnosis and treatment.