The role of super-enhancer regulated SOX11 in regulation of SWI/SNF and PRC2 activity in adrenergic neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra cranial solid tumor during early childhood and arises from progenitors of the sympathetic nervous system. High risk NBs with poor prognosis show few recurrent mutations but typical patterns of gains or losses of chromosomal segments. Those chromosomal aberrations are assumed to result in dosage effects for proteins contributing to tumor formation and/or progression. My project will focus on the role of SOX11 regulated direct target genes MTF2, SMARCC1, SMARCE1 and SETMAR, which are known epigenetic regulators. The role of SOX11 as a lineage dependency factor in NB and its direct regulated targets were recently discovered by Bieke Decaesteker in the host lab. My project therefore aims to further understand the mechanisms of NB oncogenesis and the key elements involved and may contribute to design of novel therapies.