New screening tool reveals genes essential for cancer cells' survival.

摘要

THE, COMPLEXITY OF CANCER GENET-ics, layered on top of the complexity of the human genome itself, creates a daunting task for researchers " seeking to decipher the genetic factors involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development But a relatively new laboratory technique may make the job easier by allowing investigators to efficiently screen for genes that are essential for cancel cells' survival (Silva JM et al, Science. 2008;319[5863]:617-620;SchlabachMR etal. Science,, 2008;319[5863]:620-624). The technique involves using a phenomenon called RNA interference to silence genes and assessing which genes, when muted, cause tumor cells to die "We have a lot of cancer-related questions that we can use these tools to answer," said coauthor Gregory Han-non, PhD, of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Cold Spring Harbor, NY. In particular, the technology may potentially be used to find new targets for anticancer agents.