Pia Fahmé

Dr. Pia Fahmé


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 February 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PFPia Fahmé
Pia Fahmé
LBLamia Bouazza
Lamia Bouazza
MCMartine Croset
Martine Croset
FRFarah Ramadan
Farah Ramadan
SCSéverine Croze
Séverine Croze
PCPascale Cohen
Pascale Cohen
Background: Breast cancer remains a major health issue, with bone metastases negatively impacting patient outcomes. The biochemical and biological functions of the exon 4-splice isoform (ZNF217-ΔE4) of the oncogenic transcription factor ZNF217 have been poorly investigated. Methods/Results: This study, for the first time, elucidates through advanced live-cell single-molecule tracking microscopy that the C-terminus of ZNF217 influences chromatin engagement and binding stability. ZNF217-ΔE4 retains its ability to be recruited and to promote positive transcriptional activity. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated silencing of the ZNF217 gene in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells impairs cell aggressiveness, while reintroduction of the ZNF217-ΔE4 isoform is sufficient to restore increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness features. In vivo, ZNF217 ΔE4—although less potent than the wild-type isoform—accelerates the formation of bone marrow micrometastases. A retrospective analysis of primary breast tumors revealed that patients with high ZNF217-ΔE4 mRNA levels had a higher risk of developing bone metastases. Conclusions: Overall, this study identifies ZNF217-ΔE4 as a novel functional isoform that mediates breast cancer cell aggressiveness and bone marrow homing. It also highlights this isoform as a promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target for breast cancers at elevated risk of bone metastasis.