Analysis of EZH2 promoter region in thyroid cancer

• Grant number: 22/09813-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Cesar Seigi Fuziwara
• Grantee: Marcella Maringolo Cristovão
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/17282-5 - Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control in aggressive cancer and metastasis, AP.JP

Abstract

The polycomb complex PRC2/EZH2 is activated in aggressive cancer and induces gene silencing through histone modifications and chromatin accessibility. However, the mechanism underlying the activation of EZH2 gene expression in thyroid cancer is under investigation. In this context, the molecular investigation of the promoter region of EZH2 could contribute to the identification of transcription factors that control its activation and its relationship with the main genetic alterations detected in thyroid cancer. In this project, we aim to investigate the mechanism of EZH2 promoter gene activation in aggressive thyroid cancer using initially gene reporter assay to delimitate the minimal promoter region. We expect to identify the transcription factors that interact with EZH2 promoter and influence thyroid cancer oncogenesis.