Genetic screens reveal mechanisms for the transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific genes in normal cells and tumors.

ABSTRACT: The proper tissue-specific regulation of gene expression is essential for development and homeostasis in metazoans. However, the illegitimate expression of normally tissue-restricted genes-like testis- or placenta-specific genes-is frequently observed in tumors; this promotes transformation, but also allows immunotherapy. Two important questions are: how is the expression of these genes controlled in healthy cells? And how is this altered in cancer? To address these questions, we used an unbiased approach to test the ability of 350 distinct genetic or epigenetic perturbations to induce the illegitimate expression of over 40 tissue-restricted genes in primary human cells. We find that almost all of these genes are remarkably resistant to reactivation by a single alteration in signaling path

SUBMITTER: Naciri I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6468300 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature