Linkage of early-onset familial breast cancer to chromosome 17q21

Article Abstract:

Certain diseases, including some forms of breast cancer, are inherited. The inherited form of breast cancer occurs at an earlier age, frequently involves both breasts, and occurs in men more often than the non-inherited form of breast cancer. Studies of certain genetic sequences, known as genetic markers, which are inherited along with the disease, have allowed the identification of the site on the chromosomes (structural units where the genes are located) where the genetic defect lies. These studies can lead to the identification of the gene that is directly involved in the disease process. A gene involved in the susceptibility to the inherited form of breast cancer was localized to the q21 position of chromosome 17. The study involved genetic analysis of 23 Caucasian families with 146 cases of breast cancer. This genetic site is not involved in the non-inherited form of the disease. The identification of the inheritance of a particular sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) associated with breast cancer may lead to the development of screening methods to detect individuals at high risk. Also, early diagnosis would allow early treatment, and perhaps reduce mortality. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Genetic aspects, Breast cancer, Tumor suppressor genes

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Induction of chronic myelogenous leukemia in mice by the P210 (superscript bcr/abl) gene of the Philadelphia chromosome

Article Abstract:

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a specific form of the neoplastic blood disease leukemia. CML progresses through several stages and is characterized by elevated levels of certain white blood cells called granulocytes. Most patients with CML have a rare chromosome abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome, which is a fusion (combination) of chromosomes 9 and 22. Within the tumor cells, the Philadelphia chromosome regulates the manufacture of a protein that has been named P210 (superscript bcr/abl). An experiment was performed to determine whether P210 can induce CML in mice; bone marrow removed from mice was infected with a virus that encodes P210. The mice that received the infected bone marrow developed several different cancerous blood conditions, one of which was similar to human CML. This indicated that expression of the protein P210 can cause CML, and revealed that the mouse is a useful animal model for studying human CML. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Development and progression, Leukemia

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Induction of inflammatory arthropathy resembling rheumatoid arthritis in mice transgenic for HTLV-I

Article Abstract:

HTLV-I (human T cell leukemia virus type-I) causes adult T cell leukemia. HTLV-I has also been implicated in other diseases, such as chronic arthritis and myelopathy (disease of spinal cord). To study the role of HTLV-I in disease, the gene encoding the virus was given to mice at the embryonic stage. These mice are known as transgenic mice. Many of the mice developed chronic arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis, at two to three months of age. The mice exhibited swelling of the ankles and footpads as well as redness of the ankles. The tissues in the joints were examined microscopically. Breakdown of the bone and cartilage was observed, as well as the development of fibrous tissue containing immune cells that are involved in an inflammatory response. These changes are similar to those seen in rheumatoid arthritis. This study suggests that HTLV-I may possibly be involved in rheumatoid arthritis in humans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Rheumatoid arthritis, HTLV-I infections

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