C-myc deregulation during transformation induction: involvement of 7SK RNA

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Y Luo1, J Kurz, N MacAfee

  • 1Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

A small RNA (7SK) and its ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) complex are involved in activating c-myc gene promoters during oncogenic transformation. This suggests 7SK RNP plays a role in c-myc gene deregulation in cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Oncogenic transformation is a complex process, with mechanisms of c-myc gene deregulation being poorly understood.
  • The c-myc gene is frequently dysregulated in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of a small RNA (7SK) in the deregulation of the c-myc gene during oncogenic transformation.
  • To identify the specific mechanisms by which 7SK RNA influences c-myc promoter activity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized run-on transcription assays to measure c-myc promoter activity.
  • Employed antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to inhibit 7SK RNA function.
  • Performed mobility-shift assays to identify interactions between 7SK RNP and c-myc promoter elements.

Main Results:

  • Transient activation of c-myc promoters (P1 and P3) was observed upon transformation induction, preceded by increased 7SK RNA transcription.
  • Specific antisense oligonucleotides targeting 7SK RNA inhibited c-myc promoter activation.
  • The CT element of the c-myc promoter formed a 7SK-dependent complex.

Conclusions:

  • 7SK ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) participates in the transformation-dependent deregulation of the c-myc gene.
  • This finding provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of c-myc in cancer.

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