Chromatid Paints: A New Method for Detecting Tumor-Specific Chromosomal Inversions
Abstract
The primary purpose of this project was to identify genes participating in the transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous one. This process frequently is associated with chromosomal changes. Therefore we chose an approach based on methods of molecular cytogenetics. The approach was intended to improve the technology itself and to utilize it in the search for cancer-related genes. Focusing on the relationship between DNA repair and tumor suppression, three discoveries were made. First, we found that the homologous recombination repair genes, xrcc2 and xrcc3, are required to maintain the stable transmission of genetic information from one cell cycle to the next. Thus these genes could be classified as tumor suppressor genes. Second, members of the Ku DNA double-strand break repair pathway are required to cap ends of mammalian chromosomes. When any of these genes is defective, chromosomes are subject to end-to-end fusions. Third, it was found that the BrCa2 gene is required for repair of DNA damage induced by x-rays and mitomycin C. BrCa2 also has a role in preserving chromosomal stability, thus explaining why it is a tumor suppressor. That BrCa2 mutation leads to a profound sensitivity to mitomycin C has potential significance to breast cancer therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADB258879
Entities
People
- Edwin Goodwin
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory