Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

08:57
Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
Published on: August 14, 2018
16.5K
MACROD2, an Original Cause of CIN?
Ning Jin1,2, Mark E Burkard3,2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Cancer Discovery
|August 5, 2018
Summary
Genetic deletions of the MACROD2 tumor suppressor gene may be a key factor driving chromosomal instability in colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to confirm this link and explore therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC).
- The underlying causes of CIN in CRC are not fully understood.
- Tumor suppressor genes play critical roles in maintaining genomic stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of the MACROD2 tumor suppressor gene in the development of chromosomal instability in colorectal cancer.
- To explore the association between genetic deletions of MACROD2 and CIN in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic alterations in colorectal cancer patient samples.
- Assessment of MACROD2 gene status (e.g., deletions).
- Correlation of MACROD2 genetic changes with measures of chromosomal instability.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential link between genetic deletions of MACROD2 and chromosomal instability.
- MACROD2 deletions may contribute to the genomic chaos observed in colorectal cancer.
Conclusions:
- Genetic loss of the MACROD2 tumor suppressor is a potential driver of chromosomal instability in colorectal cancer.
- Targeting MACROD2 or pathways affected by its loss could offer new therapeutic avenues for CRC.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
14.9K
Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
14.9K
Chromosome Replication
10.7K
Before a cell can divide, it must accurately replicate all of its chromosomes, including the DNA and its associated histone and non-histone proteins. This process begins at numerous origins of replication during the S phase of the cell cycle in each of a cell’s chromosomes simultaneously. Certain nucleotides can act as origins of replication, but these sequences are not well defined - especially in complex, multi-cellular, eukaryotic species. The length of DNA that spans an origin...
10.7K
Chromosome Structure
26.6K
A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...
26.6K
Formation of Species
45.3K
Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.
45.3K
Replication in Eukaryotes
205.4K
Overview
205.4K
The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
38.7K
The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...
38.7K

