Myc Moves to Igh Transcription Factory
Author Information
Author(s): Osborne Cameron S, Chakalova Lyubomira, Mitchell Jennifer A, Horton Alice, Wood Andrew L, Bolland Daniel J, Corcoran Anne E, Fraser Peter
Primary Institution: The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Does the activation of the Myc proto-oncogene lead to its relocation to a transcription factory occupied by the Igh gene?
Conclusion
The study shows that the Myc gene relocates to the same transcription factory as the Igh gene upon activation, which may increase the risk of chromosomal translocations associated with certain cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- Transcription in mammalian nuclei occurs in nuclear foci known as transcription factories.
- Genes from different chromosomes can share the same factory, suggesting that factories are preassembled.
- Upon activation, Myc is preferentially recruited to the same transcription factory as the Igh gene.
Takeaway
When a gene called Myc is turned on, it quickly moves to a special area in the cell where other important genes are working, which might lead to problems like cancer.
Methodology
Fluorescent in situ hybridization was used to study gene association with transcription factories during gene activation in mouse B lymphocytes.
Participant Demographics
Mouse B lymphocytes
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 4.0 × 10−12
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website