Polymorphism of the thymidylate synthase gene and outcome of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
M Krajinovic1, I Costea, S Chiasson
1Service d'Hématologie-Oncologie, Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Quebec H3T 1C5, Montreal, Canada. maja.krajinovic@umontreal.ca
Abstract:
Interindividual variability in response to methotrexate could be caused by variable concentrations of thymidylate synthase. We investigated the possible association between a tandem-repeat polymorphism in the thymidylate synthase promoter, of which a triple repeat is associated with increased expression of thymidylate synthase, and outcome of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 205 children treated with methotrexate. We obtained DNA samples from buccal epithelial cells, peripheral blood, or bone marrow in remission, and analysed them for the polymorphism by PCR amplification. Individuals who were homozygous for the triple repeat had a poorer outlook than those with other genotypes (odds ratio 4.1, 95% CI 1.9-9.0, p=0.001). Genotyping of thymidylate synthase might make it possible to individualize treatment for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Related Concept Videos
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase


