Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: July 5, 2019
Chromosome 6p amplification and cancer progression
Gda C Santos1, M Zielenska, M Prasad
1Department of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Copy number gains on chromosome 6p are linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis across various tumor types. These genomic imbalances highlight potential oncogenes and therapeutic targets for future cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Chromosomal imbalances, specifically DNA copy-number aberrations, are crucial in cancer progression.
- Previous studies indicate copy-number increases on chromosome 6p (short arm) in multiple cancer types.
- The 6p21-p23 region is frequently altered and contains key genes involved in tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze large tumor cohorts to identify 6p genomic imbalances associated with clinical features of disease progression.
- To investigate the role of oncogenes located on chromosome 6p in tumor progression.
- To identify deregulated molecular pathways in diverse tumor types linked to 6p amplifications.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) studies.
- Systematic analysis of large tumor cohorts.
- Cytogenetic analysis of tumor samples.
Main Results:
- Gains at 6p are associated with advanced or metastatic disease, poor prognosis, and venous invasion in bladder, colorectal, ovarian, and hepatocellular carcinomas.
- Copy number gains of 6p DNA were observed in patients with follicle center lymphoma that transformed into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Chromosome 6 aberrations, particularly in the 6p21-p23 region, correlate with lower overall survival in melanoma.
Conclusions:
- Genomic imbalances on chromosome 6p, especially copy number gains, are significant indicators of cancer progression and poor prognosis.
- The 6p21-p23 region harbors critical oncogenes and deregulated pathways implicated in various cancers.
- Understanding these 6p alterations offers potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Abnormal Proliferation
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...