The chromatin remodelling factor BRG1 is a novel binding partner of the tumor suppressor p16INK4a
2009

BRG1: A New Partner of p16INK4a in Melanoma

Sample size: 38 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Becker Therese M, Haferkamp Sebastian, Dijkstra Menno K, Scurr Lyndee L, Frausto Monika, Diefenbach Eve, Scolyer Richard A, Reisman David N, Mann Graham J, Kefford Richard F, Rizos Helen

Primary Institution: Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Does the chromatin remodelling factor BRG1 interact with the tumor suppressor p16INK4a and contribute to melanoma development?

Conclusion

The study identifies BRG1 as a novel binding partner of p16INK4a and highlights its frequent loss in melanoma, suggesting its role as a tumor suppressor.

Supporting Evidence

  • BRG1 was found to interact with p16INK4a in various cell lines.
  • Loss of BRG1 expression was observed in 68% of melanoma samples.
  • p16INK4a was shown to induce cell cycle arrest independently of BRG1.

Takeaway

Researchers found that a protein called BRG1 works with another protein, p16INK4a, which helps stop cancer cells from growing. When BRG1 is missing, it might lead to skin cancer.

Methodology

Yeast two-hybrid screen and various cell line experiments were used to investigate the interaction between BRG1 and p16INK4a.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on specific cell lines and may not fully represent all melanoma cases.

Participant Demographics

The study involved various cancer cell lines, including melanoma and normal human fibroblasts.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-4598-8-4

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication