Reports from University of Massachusetts, Medical Department describe recent advances in gene therapy
2008 JAN 17 -- "HiNF-P and its cofactor p220(NPAT) are principal factors regulating histone gene expression at the G(1)-S phase cell cycle transition. Here, we have investigated whether HiNF-P controls other cell cycle- and cancer-related genes," scientists writing in the journal Cancer Research report. "We used cDNA microarrays to monitor responsiveness of gene expression to small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of HiNF-P. Candidate HiNF-P target genes were examined for the presence of HiNF-P recognition motifs, in vitro HiNF-P binding to DNA, and in vivo association by chromatin immunoprecipitations and functional reporter gene assays. Of 177 proliferation-related genes we tested, 20 are modulated in HiNF-P-depleted cells and contain putative HiNF-P binding motifs. We validated that at least three genes (i.e., ATM, PRKDC, and CKS2) are HiNF-P dependent and provide data indicating that the DNA damage response is altered in HiNF-P-depleted cells," wrote R. Medina and colleagues, University of Massachusetts, Medical Department. The researchers concluded: "In addition to histone genes, HiNF-P also regulates expression of nonhistone targets that influence competency for cell cycle progression." Medina and colleagues published their study in Cancer Research (The HINF-P/p220(NPAT) cell cycle signaling pathway controls nonhistone target genes. Cancer Research, 2007;67(21):10334-10342). Additional information can be obtained by contacting G.S. Stein, University of Massachusetts, School Medical, Dept. of Cell Biology, 55 Lake Avenue N, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. The publisher of the journal Cancer Research can be contacted at: American Association Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St., 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA. Keywords: United States, Worcester, Biotechnology, Cancer, Cancer Research, Cognition, DNA, Gene Therapy, Oncology, University of Massachusetts, Medical Department. This article was prepared by Gene Therapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Gene Therapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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