A computational drug repositioning approach for targeting oncogenic transcription factors Journal Article


Authors: Gayvert, K. M.; Dardenne, E.; Cheung, C.; Boland, M. R.; Lorberbaum, T.; Wanjala, J.; Chen, Y.; Rubin, M. A.; Tatonetti, N. P.; Rickman, D. S.; Elemento, O.
Article Title: A computational drug repositioning approach for targeting oncogenic transcription factors
Abstract: Mutations in transcription factor (TF) genes are frequently observed in tumors, often leading to aberrant transcriptional activity. Unfortunately, TFs are often considered undruggable due to the absence of targetable enzymatic activity. To address this problem, we developed CRAFTT, a computational drug-repositioning approach for targeting TF activity. CRAFTT combines ChIP-seq with drug-induced expression profiling to identify small molecules that can specifically perturb TF activity. Application to ENCODE ChIP-seq datasets revealed known drug-TF interactions, and a global drug-protein network analysis supported these predictions. Application of CRAFTT to ERG, a pro-invasive, frequently overexpressed oncogenic TF, predicted that dexamethasone would inhibit ERG activity. Dexamethasone significantly decreased cell invasion and migration in an ERG-dependent manner. Furthermore, analysis of electronic medical record data indicates a protective role for dexamethasone against prostate cancer. Altogether, our method provides a broadly applicable strategy for identifying drugs that specifically modulate TF activity. © 2016 The Author(s).
Journal Title: Cell Reports
Volume: 15
Issue: 11
ISSN: 2211-1247
Publisher: Cell Press  
Date Published: 2016-06-14
Start Page: 2348
End Page: 2356
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.037
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4912004
PUBMED: 27264179
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 July 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Yu Chen
    133 Chen