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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:49
Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: July 5, 2019
Recurrent fusion oncogenes in carcinomas.
1Department of Genetics, Portuguese Oncology Institute, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal. mteixeir@ipoporto.min-saude.pt
Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis
|April 12, 2007
Summary
Fusion oncogenes, common in blood and soft tissue cancers, are increasingly found in carcinomas. These gene rearrangements, often involving transcription factors and tyrosine kinases, are typically specific to tumor types and drive cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chromosome structural aberrations leading to fusion oncogenes are key in oncogenesis.
- Previously recognized mainly in hematological and soft-tissue tumors, these rearrangements are now identified in common carcinomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize recurrent fusion oncogenes identified in various carcinomas.
- To explore the role and specificity of fusion oncogenes in epithelial carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies identifying fusion oncogenes in carcinomas.
- Analysis of gene types involved (transcription factors, tyrosine kinases) and their tumor specificity.
Main Results:
- Specific fusion oncogenes (e.g., RET, NTRK1, PAX8-PPARG, MECT1-MAML2, TFE3, TFEB, BRD4-NUT, ETV6-NTRK3, TMPRSS2-ETS) are characterized in thyroid, salivary gland, kidney, breast, and prostate carcinomas.
- Fusion oncogenes in carcinomas, like other cancers, predominantly involve transcription factors and tyrosine kinases.
- Most fusion oncogenes are specific to the carcinoma type, influenced by the cellular environment.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenetic mechanisms of epithelial carcinogenesis involving fusion oncogenes resemble those in hematological and soft-tissue malignancies.
- Further research is anticipated to identify more fusion oncogenes in common human cancers.
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