Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

DNA Vector-based RNA Interference to Study Gene Function in Cancer
Published on: June 4, 2012
Zinc Ions Modulate YY1 Activity: Relevance in Carcinogenesis
Małgorzata Figiel1, Adam Kazimierz Górka1, Andrzej Górecki1
1Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
Zinc ions enhance the activity of the YY1 transcription factor, impacting cancer progression. This suggests zinc levels, not just protein levels, are key to regulating gene expression in tumors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- YY1 (Yin Yang 1) is an intrinsically disordered transcription factor implicated in various cancers.
- YY1 overexpression often correlates with tumor progression and poor patient prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of zinc ions in modulating YY1's DNA binding and function.
- To explore how zinc-mediated alterations in YY1 impact gene expression and cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the interaction between zinc ions and the YY1 protein.
- Analysis of YY1's multimeric state and DNA binding affinity in the presence of zinc.
Main Results:
- Zinc enhances YY1's multimeric state and its affinity for its DNA operator.
- Alterations in zinc ion concentration directly impact YY1-regulated gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Zinc concentration is a critical factor in regulating YY1 activity, independent of protein levels.
- Changes in zinc levels may disrupt gene expression patterns, influencing tumor progression.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Abnormal Proliferation
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Epigenetic Regulation
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...

