Evaluating genome-wide expression following the disruption of CDK12 reveals a bimodal pattern of gene regulation

ABSTRACT: We demonstrate that the loss of CDK12 protein or activity, unlike CDK9 or CDK7, significantly upregulates the expression of certain genes, including genes whose activation contributes to the anti-proliferative effects of CDK12 inhibition. In HER2+ breast cancer, a malignancy where CDK12 is almost invariably co-amplified with HER2, CDK12 inhibition drives up the expression of MYC, which is toxic to HER2+ cancer cells. This upregulation of c-myc largely mediates the killing effect of CDK12 inhibition. Therefore, we report a novel mode of regulation of gene expression via CDK12, which represents a promising target for cancer driven by HER2 gene amplification.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE181905 | GEO | 2024/02/12

REPOSITORIES: GEO