Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of MLL fusion oncoprotein (MLL-FP) leukaemia has spawned epigenetic therapies that have improved clinical outcomes in this often-incurable disease. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we define the individual and combined contribution of KAT6A, KAT6B and KAT7, in MLL-FP leukaemia. Whilst inhibition of KAT6A/B is efficacious in some pre-clinical models, simultaneous targeting of KAT7, with the novel inhibitor PF-9363, increases the therapeutic efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor characterized by a high metastatic potential with an overall survival rate of ~5%. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed by >50% of tumors, including SCLC, but its role in SCLC development and metastasis is unclear. Here, we show that, while STAT3 deletion restricts primary tumor growth, it paradoxically enhances metastatic spread by promoting immune evasion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEukaryotic transcription factors (TFs) activate gene expression by recruiting cofactors to promoters. However, the relationships between TFs, promoters and their associated cofactors remain poorly understood. Here we combine GAL4-transactivation assays with comparative CRISPR-Cas9 screens to identify the cofactors used by nine different TFs and core promoters in human cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe liver exhibits a remarkable capacity to regenerate following injury. Despite this unique attribute, toxic injury is a leading cause of liver failure. The temporal processes by which the liver senses injury and initiates regeneration remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol
August 2022
Background & Aims: Gastric cancer (GC) is strongly linked with chronic gastritis after Helicobacter pylori infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key innate immune pathogenic sensors that mediate chronic inflammatory and oncogenic responses. Here, we investigated the role of TLR9 in the pathogenesis of GC, including Helicobacter infection.
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