The p53 tumor-suppressor gene

Article Abstract:

Analysis of cancer tissue has found that mutations may occur in two types of genes that control cell growth and division: oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. Mutations in oncogenes occur spontaneously in different types of tissue. Germline mutations in tumor-suppressor genes may arise spontaneously or be passed down through the family. They may cause cancer only in specific tissues. Some cancers are caused by mutations in both types of genes. Inherited mutations in p53 tumor-suppressor gene were first seen in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a cancer-causing syndrome. Two research studies found that inherited germline mutations in the p53 gene also may occur in families without Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The protein produced from the p53 gene binds to chromosomes and prevents uncontrollable cell division. Most mutations in the p53 gene in cancer cells are missense mutations, or mutations in which one amino acid is substituted for another in the p53 protein. Mice who have mutations in the p53 gene can reproduce, but two-thirds of their offspring may develop cancer.

Editorial

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Germline mutations of the p53 tumor-suppressor gene in children and young adults with second malignant neoplasms

Article Abstract:

Germline mutations in the p53 tumor-suppressor gene may occur in children and young adults with a second malignant tumor who do not have a family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Mutations in the p53 gene have been identified in families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an inherited cancer pattern. Analysis of DNA from 59 children and young adults with a second malignant tumor found four germline mutations in the p53 gene. All of the mutations caused a change in the amino acid sequence of the cell growth protein for which the p53 gene encodes. Three of the mutations were identical to those found previously, but the fourth was a new type of mutation. Analysis of DNA from close relatives of three patients found that five had mutations in the p53 gene. Three of these relatives also had developed cancer. Sixteen other close relatives that may have a mutation in the p53 were also identified, but their DNA was not analyzed.

Cancer in children, Childhood cancer

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Emerging uses for genomic information in drug discovery

Article Abstract:

Investigation of genes in primitive organisms, such as yeasts, worms and fruit flies, may identify genetic strategies for drug therapy in human disease. Some simple organisms carry genes that correspond to human genes and provide a basis for study. Synthetic lethal screening is a process of finding genetic mutations that kill cells carrying a mutation related to disease. In yeast, cells associated with colon cancer could be killed by inducing mutation in another gene. Researchers hope to use this technique to develop drugs that cause lethal mutations in cancer cells.

Usage, Product development, Antineoplastic agents, Genetic screening, Genetic testing

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