Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
09:49

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing

Published on: July 5, 2019

10.0K

FGFR3-TACC3 is an oncogenic fusion protein in respiratory epithelium

Sarah A Best1,2, Cassandra R Harapas1, Ariena Kersbergen1

  • 1ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.

Oncogene
|July 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The fibroblast growth factor receptor 3-transforming acidic coiled-coil 3 (FGFR3-TACC3) fusion drives lung cancer. This study shows FGFR3-TACC3 causes lung adenocarcinoma in mice, but not nasal tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Genomic rearrangements, including fusion genes, are key drivers of lung tumorigenesis.
  • The FGFR3-TACC3 fusion gene has been identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), presenting a potential therapeutic target for FGFR inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of the FGFR3-TACC3 fusion in lung epithelial cell transformation.
  • To establish and utilize a novel transgenic mouse model to study the oncogenic effects of FGFR3-TACC3, in conjunction with p53 tumor suppressor gene loss.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of a transgenic mouse model expressing FGFR3-TACC3 (LSL-F3T3) and its combination with p53 loss (LSL-F3T3/p53).
  • Administration of Ad5-CMV-Cre virus via intranasal and intra-tracheal routes to induce gene recombination.
  • Histopathological analysis of nasal cavities and lungs to assess tumor development and cellular transformation.

Main Results:

  • Intranasal viral delivery induced glandular transformation in olfactory cells but not lung tumors in both LSL-F3T3 and LSL-F3T3/p53 mice.
  • Intra-tracheal viral delivery into the lungs of LSL-F3T3 and LSL-F3T3/p53 mice led to the development of lung adenocarcinomas.
  • Cre-mediated recombination was confirmed in the olfactory epithelium following intranasal delivery.

Conclusions:

  • The FGFR3-TACC3 fusion gene possesses oncogenic properties in respiratory epithelium.
  • The location of gene activation (nasal vs. lung) influences tumor development, with direct lung targeting being crucial for adenocarcinoma formation.
  • This study provides in vivo validation of FGFR3-TACC3 as an oncogene in lung cancer.

More Related Videos

Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species09:27

Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species

Published on: March 4, 2017

11.2K
Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis09:58

Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis

Published on: June 27, 2020

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Tagging and Fusion Proteins01:24

Tagging and Fusion Proteins

Proteins are involved in several cellular processes and biochemical reactions. Analyzing a specific protein of interest requires it to be isolated from the other proteins in the cell. This is achieved by overexpressing the specific gene in a suitable host to produce large quantities of the target protein. A tag or label is recombined with the gene to produce a fusion protein containing the target protein and the tag. The tags on these fusion proteins can then be used for easy detection and...
8.5K
Nuclear Fusion02:45

Nuclear Fusion

The process of converting very light nuclei into heavier nuclei is also accompanied by the conversion of mass into large amounts of energy, a process called fusion. The principal source of energy in the sun is a net fusion reaction in which four hydrogen nuclei fuse and ultimately produce one helium nucleus and two positrons.
A helium nucleus has a mass that is 0.7% less than that of four hydrogen nuclei; this lost mass is converted into energy during the fusion. This reaction produces about...
33.9K
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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...
11.5K
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
3.8K
The Respiratory System01:16

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is comprised of the organs that enable breathing. Air enters the nostrils and mouth, followed by the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), which lead to the trachea (windpipe). In the thoracic cavity, the trachea splits into two bronchi that allow air to enter the lungs. The bronchi split into progressively smaller bronchioles and terminate in small groups of tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
89.5K
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
5.4K