Abstract 1448: An evolutionarily conserved chromatin remodeling factor, FACT, in regulation of chromatin, gene expression and cancer

Abstract Eukaryotic genome is packed in the form of chromatin that is an array of nucleosomes. Such nucleosomal organization acts as a barrier for gene regulatory factors to access DNA for transcription. Importantly, cells have evolved with mechanisms for nucleosomal disassembly and reassembly for transcription to occur through chromatin. A heterodimeric chromatin remodeling factor, FACT (Facilitates chromatin transcription), plays a key role in nucleosomal disassembly and reassembly to promote transcription. Intriguingly, FACT is upregulated in breast and other cancers, and FACT upregulation induces oncogenesis. Thus, the upstream regulatory pathways/factors of FACT can emerge as cancer biomarkers which can be targeted for an effective cancer therapy. Further, FACT is found to be downregulated and/or mutated in various cancers including breast cancer. Thus, it is crucial to understand regulatory mechanisms lying upstream of FACT with downstream functions in regulation of chromatin to orchestrate gene expression towards understanding cancer pathogenesis with targeted therapeutic potential. In this conference, we will present our recent work on FACT regulation and functions in controlling chromatin and gene expression with implication in cancer. Citation Format: Priyanka Barman, Sukesh Bhaumik. An evolutionarily conserved chromatin remodeling factor, FACT, in regulation of chromatin, gene expression and cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1448.