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[email protected] 7 Research Article 2015/07/28 Polycomb genes are associated with response to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia Epigenomics Aim: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has revolutionized the treatment Francesco Crea1,2,3, Antonello of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Despite its efficacy, about a third of patients Di Paolo4, Hui Hsuan Liu1, discontinue the treatment due to therapy failure or intolerance. The rational Marialuisa Polillo4, 1 identification of patients less likely to respond to imatinib would be of paramount Pier-Luc Clermont , Francesca Guerrini5, Elena Ciabatti5, clinical relevance. We have shown that transmembrane transporter hOCT1 genotyping Federica Ricci5, Claudia predicts imatinib activity. In parallel, Polycomb group genes (PcGs) are epigenetic Baratè5, Giulia Fontanelli5, repressors implicated in CML progression and in therapy resistance. Patients & Sara Barsotti5, Riccardo methods: We measured the expression of eight PcGs in paired pre- and post-imatinib Morganti6, Romano Danesi4, bone marrow samples from 30 CML patients. Results: BMI1, PHC3, CBX6 and CBX7 Yuzhuo Wang1,2, Mario expression was significantly increased during imatinib treatment. Post-treatment levels Petrini5, Sara Galimberti*,‡,5 of CBX6 and CBX7 predicted 3-month response rate. Measurement of post-treatment & Cheryl D Helgason**,‡,1 BMI1 levels improved the predictive power of hOCT1 genotyping. Conclusion: These 1Experimental Therapeutics, BCCA Research Centre,