Abstract PR06: Sox2 functions as a critical oncogene in Rb loss initiated tumors

Tumor suppressors, while important proteins to in the context of tumor formation, are difficult to target for therapeutic purposes. The Rb tumor suppressor, which is lost or functionally inactivated in nearly every human tumor type, is not unique in that regard because restoration of the loss of Rb function has been challenging. Using cellular reprogramming to iPS cells as a model for tumor formation, we identified Sox2 as a direct target of Rb repression. Sox2 is a core pluripotency member with strong reprogramming abilities, and as such, is a potent oncogene in some cellular contexts. Using mouse genetics and genomic analysis we have confirmed that Sox2 does indeed promote tumor formation upon Rb loss. We have also investigated the consequence of Sox2 suppression in tumors initiated by Rb loss, including small cell lung cancer. This raises the possibility of using Sox2 inhibition as a more clinically feasible form of treatment than restoration of Rb loss.This abstract is also being presented as Poster B05.Citation Format: Michael S. Kareta, Jr., Megan O'Brien, Marius Wernig, Julien Sage. Sox2 functions as a critical oncogene in Rb loss initiated tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr PR06.
Source: Molecular Cancer Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Rb Bench to Bedside: Novel Functions and Clinical Implications: Oral Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research