Characterization of GECPAR, a noncoding RNA that regulates the transcriptional program of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

TitleCharacterization of GECPAR, a noncoding RNA that regulates the transcriptional program of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsNapoli S, Cascione L, Rinaldi A, Spriano F, Guidetti F, Zhang F, Cacciapuoti MTeresa, Mensah AAdjeiwaa, Sartori G, Munz N, Forcato M, Bicciato S, Chiappella A, Ghione P, Elemento O, Cerchietti L, Inghirami G, Bertoni F
JournalHaematologica
Date Published2021 Jun 24
ISSN1592-8721
Abstract

Enhancers are regulatory regions of DNA, which play a key role in cell-type specific differentiation and development. Most active enhancers are transcribed into enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) that can regulate transcription of target genes by means of in cis as well as in trans action. eRNAs stabilize contacts between distal genomic regions and mediate the interaction of DNA with master transcription factors. Here, we characterised an enhancer RNA, GECPAR (GErminal Center Proliferative Adapter RNA), that is specifically transcribed in normal and neoplastic germinal center B-cells from the super-enhancer of POU2AF1, a key regulatory gene of the germinal center reaction. Using diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell line models, we demonstrated the tumor suppressor activity of GECPAR, which is mediated via its transcriptional regulation of proliferation and differentiation genes, particularly MYC and the Wnt pathway.

DOI10.3324/haematol.2020.267096
Alternate JournalHaematologica
PubMed ID34162177