DNA breaks at fragile sites generate oncogenic RET/PTC rearrangements in human thyroid cells.

ABSTRACT: Human chromosomal fragile sites are regions of the genome that are prone to DNA breakage, and are classified as common or rare, depending on their frequency in the population. Common fragile sites frequently coincide with the location of genes involved in carcinogenic chromosomal translocations, suggesting their role in cancer formation. However, there has been no direct evidence linking breakage at fragile sites to the formation of a cancer-specific translocation. Here, we studied the involvement of fragile sites in the formation of RET/PTC rearrangements, which are frequently found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). These rearrangements are commonly associated with radiation exposure; however, most of the tumors found in adults are not linked to radiation. In this study, we provide st

SUBMITTER: Gandhi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2855398 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature