Molecular Cause of BMI1 Oncogene Over-Expression

Molecular Basis for Over-expression of the BMI1 Oncogene in Cancer

A Research Advisory Committee Seed Grant application seeks backing for a one-year study to determine the molecular basis for over-expression of BMI1 in the majority of cancer types that have been examined, based on epigenetic (DNA hypermethylation) or mutation of transcription factor binding sites in a novel “restrictive enhancer” that normally acts to keep levels of BMI1 mRNA at moderate levels, based on our unpublished preliminary data.

Source(s) of Support

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Principal Investigator

Robert D. Nicholls, PhD