September 9, 2025
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A new study published in Nature Genetics by researchers from Emory University School of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and collaborators at Arima Genomics has leveraged advanced Hi-C technology to shed light on one of the most challenging phenomena in cancer: the transformation of prostate tumors into highly aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). This research, propelled by partnerships across institutions, identified NKX2-1 as the pivotal transcription factor driving neuroendocrine transdifferentiation – a discovery that could have wide-reaching impacts for advanced disease treatment.
Understanding the drivers of neuroendocrine transformation in prostate cancer
This interdisciplinary research focused on how castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) evolves into the more lethal neuroendocrine state. Such transformation is linked to poor prognosis and resistance to existing therapies. By unraveling the gene regulatory networks at play, the team zeroed in on NKX2-1 and its role in reorganizing chromatin architecture, activating oncogenic pathways, and ultimately driving the shift to NEPC.
To dissect this process, researchers employed transcriptional profiling and chromatin accessibility assays to define a new molecular hierarchy at the heart of prostate cancer progression. These insights fuel a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis—and may point the way toward future therapeutic strategies.
How Hi-C technology and Arima Genomics contributed to these discoveries
Arima Genomics’ Hi-C platform was pivotal to mapping the 3D organization of the genome in both luminal and neuroendocrine prostate cancer samples. High-resolution chromatin conformation capture allowed scientists to visualize enhancer–promoter interactions and chromatin loops, identifying rearrangements that accompany the emergence of NEPC. By enabling detailed spatial genomic analyses from precious clinical specimens, Arima’s technology accelerated the identification of new regulatory architectures and targets.
These collaborative efforts demonstrate the impact of integrating spatial genomics into cancer research—bringing clinical significance and new avenues for personalized medicine to the forefront.
Sharing Science, Advancing Health
At Arima, our goal is to empower breakthrough discovery. By partnering with teams tackling real-world healthcare challenges, our technology accelerates insights—from foundational biology to the future of diagnostics. Every study like this drives our mission forward: enabling researchers to see disease in new dimensions, and ultimately, to help patients faster.
Click here to read the Nature paper.
