Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets and Biomarkers in Non-coding Genome of Pediatric Cancers

Transcription factors are proteins that control the rate of transcription, the process by which information from DNA is copied into a new molecule of RNA. The information transcribed to the molecule of RNA will then be used as instructions for a cell to build more proteins. Preliminary work done by researchers has identified the transcription factor FoxM1 as playing an important role in the regulation of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. This work has also shown that FoxM1 dysregulation disrupts normal cellular protective mechanisms such as apoptosis (cell death) and senescence (cell aging) while promoting genome instability and mutations. This disruption could eventually lead to the growth of glioblastoma. The genetic underpinnings of regulation of FoxM1 transcription in glioblastoma is poorly understood. Using the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas, researchers will pursue deeper understanding of this connection which could lead to the development of new therapies.