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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Focus Formation: A Cell-based Assay to Determine the Oncogenic Potential of a Gene
Published on: December 31, 2014
Elevated RNA polymerase III transcription drives proliferation and oncogenic transformation
1Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom. L.Marshall@Beatson.gla.ac.uk
Abstract:
RNA polymerase (Pol) III is the largest of the RNA polymerases with seventeen subunits. It is responsible for the production of short, untranslated RNAs that play important roles in determining the biosynthetic capacity of the cell. Pol III transcription is generally elevated in transformed cells and tumours; however, it has remained a matter for conjecture as to whether this activation is a cause or consequence of the transformation process.
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