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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:30
MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR)
Published on: May 16, 2012
[TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusion in prostate cancer]
S Perner1, F H Schmidt, M D Hofer
1Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, EBRC 442A, Boston, MA 02115-6110, USA.
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|April 27, 2007
Summary
The TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusion is the most common genetic aberration in prostate cancer (PCa), occurring in most cases identified by PSA screening. This fusion drives ETS gene overexpression and may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Context:
- Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements are not well-characterized in common carcinomas.
- A novel bioinformatics approach identified a gene fusion in prostate cancer (PCa).
- This fusion involves TMPRSS2 and ETS family transcription factors.
Purpose:
- To characterize novel gene fusions in prostate cancer.
- To investigate the role of TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusions in PCa development and clinical outcome.
- To explore the potential of these fusions as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Summary:
- Novel gene fusions, specifically TMPRSS2-ETS, occur in the majority of prostate cancers detected via PSA screening.
- These fusions drive the overexpression of ETS transcription factors (ERG, ETV1, ETV4) and represent the most frequent genetic aberration in human malignancies.
- ERG is the predominant fusion partner with TMPRSS2, and this event is considered early in PCa development.
Impact:
- TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusions are the most common genetic aberration in human malignancies, offering insights into PCa pathogenesis.
- Fusion status may determine clinical outcome and guide secondary genetic alterations, similar to Ewing's tumors.
- These fusions show potential as diagnostic tests, prognostic biomarkers, and targets for novel therapies, analogous to the Philadelphia chromosome in CML.
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