I-motif formation in the promoter region of the B-MYB proto-oncogene.

Understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis is essential to combat cancer. The search for alternative targets for anticancer therapy has gained interest, particularly when focused on upstream pathways. This strategy is particularly relevant when the encoded target proteins are known - or believed - to be "undruggable", as has been reported for the B-MYB oncogene. This gene, which regulates survival and cell cycle regulation, is overexpressed in cancer and correlates with an unfavorable prognosis. In this study, we focused on the identification of the i-motif (iM) structures in the promoter region of B-MYB as a possible anticancer target, with a complete biophysical characterization and in cell formation assessment using iM-CUT&Tag. Additionally, the interaction of the iM structures with a library of small molecules was investigated.