Human Genome and Diseases:¶Double-strand breaks and translocations in cancer (original) (raw)

Abstract.

The correct repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) is essential for the genomic integrity of a cell, as inappropriate repair can lead to chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations. In many hematologic cancers and sarcomas, translocations are the etiological factor in tumorigenesis, resulting in either the deregulation of a proto-oncogene or the expression of a fusion protein with transforming properties. Mammalian cells are able to repair DSBs by pathways involving homologous recombination and nonhomologous end-joining. The analysis of translocation breakpoints in a number of cancers and the development of model translocation systems are beginning to shed light on specific DSB repair pathway(s) responsible for the improper repair of broken chromosomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021 (USA), Fax +1 212 717 3317, e-mail: m-jasin@ski.mskcc.org, USA
    B. Elliott & M. Jasin

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  1. B. Elliott
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  2. M. Jasin
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Received 19 June 2001; received after revision 6 September 2001; accepted 11 September 2001

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Elliott, B., Jasin, M. Human Genome and Diseases:¶Double-strand breaks and translocations in cancer.CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 59, 373–385 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-002-8429-3

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