TERT Promoter Mutations in Human Cancers

TERT Promoter Mutations in Human Cancers

Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a fundamental step in the initiation of human cancer. Recently, we have identified the mechanism by which mutations in the TERT promoter lead to telomerase activation. The G228A/G250A TERT promoter mutations create transcription factor binding sites, allowing the ETS factor GABPA to be recruited to the promoter and drive transcription of TERT. We are currently investigating both upstream regulation of TERT promoter mutations and downstream consequences of these mutations in gliomas.

 

Related Publication

Bell RJ, Rube HT, Krieg A, Mancini A, Fouse SD, Nagarajan RP, Choi S, Hong C, He D, Pekmezci M, Wiencke JK, Wrensch MR, Chang SM, Walsh KM, Myong S, Song JS, Costello JF. The transcription factor GABP selectively binds and activates the mutant TERT promoter in cancer. Science. 2015 May 29; 348(6238):1036-9.

 

Who works on this project in the Costello Lab?