# Enhancer RNAs Boost MYC-Chromatin Interaction to Regulate Gene Expression and Tumorigenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $399,745

## Abstract

Enhancer RNAs Boost MYC-Chromatin Interaction to Regulate Gene Expression and Tumorigenesis
Summary: Our long-term goal is to determine how MYC’s RNA binding function contributes to its role as a
master regulator of gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions. In last three decades, MYC
has been extensively studied as a DNA-binding transcription factor. However, whether MYC can interact with
RNA and, if yes, how such interactions would contribute to MYC function are poorly understood.
 In our preliminary study, we have shown that MYC may be a novel RNA-binding protein with a
preference to bind with enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). In addition to characterizing MYC as an RNA-binding
protein, we have also identified a MYC-bound eRNA MERG1 that can regulate breast cancer growth via
recruiting MYC to its cognate enhancer. With these observations, we hypothesize that (1) MYC is an RNA-
binding protein and (2) eRNA-mediated MYC-chromatin binding is important for MYC’s transcriptional
regulation and oncogenic function. We propose three specific aims to test our hypotheses. In Aim 1, we will
investigate if MERG1 is an oncogenic eRNA in ER+ breast cancer. In aim 2, we will investigate the molecular
mechanism of MYC’s RNA binding function. In aim 3, we will build MYC-eRNA regulatory network.
 Our project will add a new dimension to mechanistically study the MYC-mediated gene regulation.
Successful completion of the project will establish novel tools to investigate MYC-RNA binding function for
the broader MYC research community. The investigation of MYC RNA binding function will also lay the
foundation to develop novel strategy to target MYC in cancer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10914872
- **Project number:** 5R01CA282704-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Da Yang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $399,745
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10914872

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10914872, Enhancer RNAs Boost MYC-Chromatin Interaction to Regulate Gene Expression and Tumorigenesis (5R01CA282704-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10914872. Licensed CC0.

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