Transposable elements drive widespread expression of oncogenes in human cancers.

ABSTRACT: Transposable elements (TEs) are an abundant and rich genetic resource of regulatory sequences^1-3. Cryptic regulatory elements within TEs can be epigenetically reactivated in cancer to influence oncogenesis in a process termed onco-exaptation⁴. However, the prevalence and impact of TE onco-exaptation events across cancer types are poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed 7,769 tumors and 625 normal datasets from 15 cancer types, identifying 129 TE cryptic promoter-activation events involving 106 oncogenes across 3,864 tumors. Furthermore, we interrogated the AluJb-LIN28B candidate: the genetic deletion of the TE eliminated oncogene expression, while dynamic DNA methylation modulated promoter activity, illustrating the necessity and sufficiency of a TE for oncogene activ

SUBMITTER: Jang HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6443099 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature