Predicting cancer gene and epigenetic networks from tumor sequencing
Predicting Transcriptional and Epigenetic Networks in Cancer from Sequencing Data
The team uses tumor sequencing and lab work to map how cancers switch on the telomerase gene (TERT) so new ways to stop tumors from keeping their telomeres long can be developed for many cancer types.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241076 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines computer analysis of tumor DNA and RNA sequencing with laboratory experiments to trace the regulatory networks that turn on TERT, the gene many cancers use to stay immortal. The researchers focus on common mutations in the TERT promoter that recruit the transcription factor GABP and change epigenetic marks, building models to predict how these networks work across different cancers. Predicted network vulnerabilities will be tested in cell models and patient-derived samples to find points where drugs could block telomerase activation and to anticipate resistance mechanisms. Most of the work is data- and lab-based at the University of Illinois and uses shared cancer sequencing datasets to inform future therapeutic directions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with tumors that carry TERT promoter mutations or cancers known to depend on telomerase (for example certain gliomas, melanomas, and bladder cancers) would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors use alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) or whose cancers do not rely on TERT/GABP pathways may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal drug targets or biomarkers to prevent telomerase reactivation and weaken many types of cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including this team's earlier work, have shown TERT promoter mutations recruit GABP, but turning that discovery into effective therapies is largely untested and still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Jun S — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Song, Jun S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.