Transcriptional reprogramming by AP-1-bound cis-regulatory elements drives melanoma development

Its progression is driven not only by genetic alterations but also by epigenetic repro-gramming and changes in the transcriptome, mediated by transcription factors. The AP-1 family favors an invasive cell state by facilitating processes such as angiogenesis and migration.

However, the AP-1-driven regulatory landscape and its implications for melanoma plasticity remain poorly understood. Here, we further elucidate the role of the AP-1 members c-Jun and Fra-1 in enhancer-driven gene regulation during melanoma development. Integrative ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses revealed extensive enhancer reprogramming during tumor formation and significant upregulation of genes annotated to enhancers gained in melanoma cells.