Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells
10:13

A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells

Published on: July 3, 2013

Screening for PPAR Responsive Regulatory Modules in Cancer

Merja Heinäniemi1, Carsten Carlberg

  • 1Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

PPAR Research
|June 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) regulate genes impacting cancer. A new in silico method reliably predicts PPAR binding sites (PPREs) and target genes, aiding cancer therapy development.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology
  • Computational Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) significantly influence diseases, including cancer, through their extensive target genes.
  • Cancer progression involves complex regulatory cascades converging on genomic regulatory modules, some containing PPAR binding sites (PPREs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a robust in silico screening method for accurately predicting PPREs and PPAR target genes.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting PPRE-containing modules for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Developed an in silico screening approach integrating experimental and informatics data.
  • Utilized DNA-binding data of PPAR subtypes to DR1-type PPREs.
  • Incorporated cross-species enrichment analysis of binding sites.

Main Results:

  • The developed method provides a more reliable prediction of PPREs and their associated PPAR target genes.
  • Demonstrated the application of the method in screening for PPREs on human chromosome 19.

Conclusions:

  • The computational method enhances the identification of functional PPREs and PPAR target genes.
  • Activating or inactivating PPRE modules holds promise for arresting cancer progression, particularly given PPARgamma's role in differentiation and existing drug approvals.

More Related Videos

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter11:32

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter

Published on: March 27, 2020

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...