Genomic enhancer elements play a role in modulating gene expression by interacting with effector proteins known as transcription factors. We present a new computational method, "STARR-scan", which identifies transcription factor motif appearances in synthetic DNA constructs that are correlated with enhancer activity. Using a tiled STARR-seq assay, we demonstrate that STARR-scan can suggest the biological function of transcription factors previously suspected to activate the APOBEC-3B gene.

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... the same methodology, STARR-scan can suggest transcription factors with previously unknown biological activity which may regulate the APOBEC-3B gene. These novel factors may have biological significance in our understanding of cancer biology.