The mechanism for gene fusion mediated by condensates

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20KK0339
• Research Category: Fund for the Promotion of Joint International Research (Fostering Joint International Research (A))
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 63020:Radiation influence-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University (2023); The University of Tokyo (2020-2022)
• Principal Investigator: Yasuhara Takaaki 京都大学, 生命科学研究科, 教授 (90757056)
• Project Period (FY): 2020 – 2023
• Keywords: 凝集体 / ゲノム異常 / 染色体転座

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we have investigated why chromosomal translocations occur in transcribed regions and how the genome structures associated with transcription create an environment in which gene fusions are more likely to occur. We found that condensates formed at nucleoli through liquid-liquid phase separation play a critical role in the occurrence of gene fusions at transcriptionally active regions. Thus, we uncover a mechanism by which cancer acquires genome abnormalities.

Free Research Field

ゲノム生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

当研究によって、細胞内の核小体に形成されるタンパク質の集合体によって、がんを引き起こしうる染色体転座が発生することが判明した。このようなメカニズムは、なぜある特定のタイプのゲノム異常が、特定の種類のがんで起こるのかという問いに対して、一つの答えを与えたと考えられる。