Identification of Novel Targets for Cancer Therapy

Kristian Helin Prof. Dr. Kristian Helin Director Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) Fuglebjergvej 3 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 3917 9666 Fax: +45 3917 9900 E-mail: kristian.helin@bric.dk Homepage: http://www.bric.dk

Specific aims of the project

It is our goal to use functional genomic approaches, including shRNA libraries and ERM tag screens, to identify novel genes with relevance for cancer. Specifically, we have contributed with two projects in the INTACT consortium. In one of these projects, we will use screens to identify novel regulators (sensors) of DNA damage. In the other project, we will screen for regulators of the pRB-E2F pathway, which is very frequently deregulated in human cancer. In addition to these screens we will set-up other functional screens, which will be defined together with new PhD students and post-docs joining our research group.

Background of the group

For a more detailed information regarding the group, please visit our homepages.
The headlines for our research are the following areas:
1. Functional role of the E2F transcription factors in cell proliferation and cancer.
2. The role of newly identifiedd E2F regulated genes in cell cycle progression and cancer.
3. The role of Polycomb group genes in cell proliferation and cancer.
4. Checkpoint mechanisms involved in DNA damage response.
5. Functional screens to identify novel target genes for cancer therapy.

Recent Publications

Bracken AP, Pasini D, Capra M, Prosperini E, Colli E, and Helin K. (2003)
EZH2 is downstream of the pRB-E2F pathway, essential for proliferation and amplified in cancer.
EMBO J 22, 5323-5335.

Di Stefano L, Jensen MR and Helin K (2003).
E2F7, a novel E2F featuring DP independent repression of a subset of E2F-regulated genes.
EMBO J 22, 6289-6298.

Lomazzi M, Moroni MC, Jensen MR, Frittoli E and Helin K (2002).
Suppression of the p53- or pRB-mediated G1 checkpoint is required for E2F-induced S phase entry.
Nature Genetics 31, 190-194.

Moroni MC, Hickman, ES, Denchi EL, Caprara G, Colli E, Cecconi F, Müller H and Helin K (2001).
APAF-1 is a transcriptional target for E2F and p53.
Nature Cell Biology, 3, 552-558.

Müller H, Bracken AP, Vernell R, Moroni MC, Christians F, Grassilli E, Prosperini E, Vigo E, Oliner JD and Helin K (2001)
E2Fs regulate the expression of genes involved in differentiation, development, proliferation and apoptosis.
Genes Dev 15, 267-285.