The NCI-funded tool called HAPI (Highly Active Promoter Interactions) is designed to identify genetic alterations that drive cancer, particularly by pinpointing structural changes linked to “hijacked” enhancers. Enhancers are DNA sequences that typically help regulate gene expression by activating or enhancing the activity of genes. However, in some cases, these enhancers can relocate to different areas of the genome, causing them to activate cancer-causing genes, leading to overexpression and potentially driving the progression of cancer.
HAPI allows researchers to track these structural changes and better understand how enhancers hijacked by other regions of the genome contribute to the abnormal expression of genes associated with cancer. This tool provides insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, helping to identify key alterations that drive cancer and could potentially be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
By using HAPI, scientists can gain valuable information about the specific genetic disruptions that lead to cancer, enabling the development of more precise and targeted treatments. This could improve the ability to diagnose, monitor, and treat cancers more effectively, making it a critical tool in advancing cancer research and personalized medicine.
The Study titled “3D genomic analysis reveals novel enhancer-hijacking caused by complex structural alterations that drive oncogene overexpression” published on Nature Communications.
Authors: Katelyn L. Mortenson, Courtney Dawes, Emily R. Wilson, Nathan E. Patchen, Hailey E. Johnson, Jason Gertz, Swneke D. Bailey, Yang Liu, Katherine E. Varley, Xiaoyang Zhang
About the Author of the Study Xiaoyang Zhang
Xiaoyang Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Oncological Sciences at University of Utah, specializing in cancer genomics, 3D genomics, and genome/epigenome editing. He holds a B.S. from Fudan University and a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College. Dr. Zhang leads the Zhang Lab, where the primary focus is to understand how genetic alterations in cancer contribute to epigenetic and transcriptional changes that promote tumorigenesis. His lab employs 3D genomics approaches to explore the complex interactions between the genome and epigenome in cancer cells, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets for treatment.
The Zhang Lab integrates both computational and experimental biology, using genome and epigenome analysis along with high-throughput screening to generate and test hypotheses. One of the key research directions involves identifying recurrent noncoding genomic and epigenomic alterations that occur in various cancers. Additionally, the lab investigates how oncogenic transcription factors function in the context of the 3D genome, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression.
Dr. Zhang’s research has the potential to uncover novel strategies for treating cancer by targeting specific genetic and epigenetic changes. Through innovative use of CRISPR technologies, his work is helping to pave the way for precision therapies aimed at correcting the molecular drivers of cancer.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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