Gene fusions find an ERG-way to tumor inflammation.

摘要

Gene fusions between the prostate-specific and androgen responsive TMPRSS2 gene and ETS transcription factors occur with distinct frequencies in the early stages of human prostate cancer. These transcription factors are members of the eryth-roblast transformation specific (ETS) family of genes, which are essential to the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Expression of transcription factors encoded by ETS related gene 1 (ERG1) is elevated in prostate cancer cells and a functional contribution of ERG to the malignant transformation of prostate epithelial cells has been established.3 Under the power of its own promoter ERG1 presents a minimal threat, but a molecular subtype identified in prostate cancer cells is characterized by a fusion of the 5' untranslated region of TMPRSS2 to ERG, previously identified as an androgen regulated promoter. ERG1 and TRMPSS2 are about 3 Mb apart on human chromosome 21q22.2 and such gene fusions have been identified in approximately 50% of prostate cancers.