Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Author Spotlight: Refining Xenopus laevis Marking Techniques for Biomedical Studies
Published on: June 28, 2024
Identification of the transforming EML4-ALK fusion gene in non-small-cell lung cancer
Manabu Soda1, Young Lim Choi, Munehiro Enomoto
1Division of Functional Genomics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
Abstract:
Improvement in the clinical outcome of lung cancer is likely to be achieved by identification of the molecular events that underlie its pathogenesis. Here we show that a small inversion within chromosome 2p results in the formation of a fusion gene comprising portions of the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) gene and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts forced to express this human fusion tyrosine kinase generated transformed foci in culture and subcutaneous tumours in nude mice. The EML4-ALK fusion transcript was detected in 6.7% (5 out of 75) of NSCLC patients examined; these individuals were distinct from those harbouring mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Our data demonstrate that a subset of NSCLC patients may express a transforming fusion kinase that is a promising candidate for a therapeutic target as well as for a diagnostic molecular marker in NSCLC.
Insights
A novel fusion gene, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK), was identified in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This fusion kinase drives tumor formation and represents a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target in NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Clinical outcomes in lung cancer necessitate understanding its underlying molecular pathogenesis.
- Identifying specific molecular events can lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify molecular alterations driving non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis.
- To investigate the role of a specific gene fusion in NSCLC development.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of NSCLC cells to detect chromosomal rearrangements.
- Creation of a fusion gene construct (EML4-ALK) for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Screening of NSCLC patient samples for the presence of the EML4-ALK fusion transcript.
Main Results:
- A small inversion in chromosome 2p creates the EML4-ALK fusion gene in NSCLC.
- Expression of the EML4-ALK fusion kinase in mouse cells induced tumor formation.
- The EML4-ALK fusion transcript was found in 6.7% of NSCLC patients, distinct from EGFR mutations.
Conclusions:
- The EML4-ALK fusion kinase is a transforming event in a subset of NSCLC.
- This fusion kinase is a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
- EML4-ALK serves as a potential diagnostic molecular marker for NSCLC.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
04:18Methods for Tattooing Xenopus laevis with a Rotary Tattoo Machine
08:07A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products
07:42Inkjet Printing All Inorganic Halide Perovskite Inks for Photovoltaic Applications
09:58Environmental Screening of Aeromonas hydrophila, Mycobacterium spp., and Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in Zebrafish Systems
06:37Skin Tattooing As A Novel Approach For DNA Vaccine Delivery
10:49Planar and Three-Dimensional Printing of Conductive Inks