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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:49
Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: July 5, 2019
Oncogenic gene fusions in epithelial carcinomas.
John R Prensner1, Arul M Chinnaiyan
1Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. prensner@umich.edu
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|February 24, 2009
Summary
Recurrent gene fusions are key drivers in epithelial cancers like prostate and breast cancer, challenging previous views. Advances in technology aid their discovery, opening doors for targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Epithelial tumors were previously thought to have a minor role for gene fusions.
- Recurrent gene fusions are now recognized in significant subsets of various carcinomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight advances in gene fusion discovery technologies.
- To discuss the implications of gene fusions in epithelial cancers for targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Next-generation sequencing
- Microarray technology
Main Results:
- Recurrent gene fusions characterize subsets of prostate, breast, lung, and renal-cell carcinomas.
- Tyrosine kinases and transcription factors are frequently involved in gene fusions.
- Gene fusions offer potential targets for novel therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Gene fusions play a significant role in epithelial carcinogenesis.
- Further research is needed to characterize the majority of chromosomal abnormalities in epithelial cancers.
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