Abstract
Excessive expression of c-Myc occurs frequently in human cancers, where high levels are associated with tumor aggression and poor clinical outcome. It is well established that the c-Myc protein forms a heterodimer with Max, binds to E-box sequences typically located near the core promoter elements of target genes involved in cellular proliferation, and alters expression of these genes. It is not yet clear, however, how altering the levels of c-Myc affects its activity across the genome to enhance the oncogenic state of cells. We show here that c-Myc occupies occupies enhancer elements only in tumor cells with elevated levels of c-Myc. The enhancers that are occupied are often tumor-specific and associated with the cell-of-origin of the tumor. These and additional results provide insights into a key mechanism by which c-Myc overexpression alters the transcriptional state of cancer cells to enforce their tumorigenic state and malignant potential.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4189. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4189
- ©2012 American Association for Cancer Research
Volume 72, Issue 8 Supplement
