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Marker-based CRISPR screening reveals a MED12-p63 interaction that activates basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Maia-Silva, D.; Schier, A. C.; Skopelitis, D.; Kechejian, V.; Alpsoy, A.; Liverpool, J.; Taatjes, D. J.; Vakoc, C. R.

2023-10-27 cancer biology
10.1101/2023.10.24.563848 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The presence of basal lineage characteristics signifies hyper-aggressive human adenocarcinomas of the breast, bladder, and pancreas. However, the biochemical mechanisms that maintain this aberrant cell state are poorly understood. Here we performed marker-based genetic screens in search of factors needed to maintain basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This approach revealed MED12 as a powerful regulator of the basal cell state in this disease. Using biochemical reconstitution and epigenomics, we show that MED12 carries out this function by bridging the transcription factor p63, a known master regulator of the basal lineage, with the Mediator complex to activate lineage-specific enhancer elements. Consistent with this finding, the growth of basal-like PDAC is hypersensitive to MED12 loss when compared to classical PDAC. Taken together, our comprehensive genetic screens have revealed a biochemical interaction that sustains basal identity in human cancer, which could serve as a target for tumor lineage-directed therapeutics.

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