THE RETINOBLASTOMA GENE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The first human tumour suppressor gene, the Retinoblastoma Susceptibil ity gene (RB1) was first demonstrated in retinoblastoma, a rare paedia tric eye tumour which has been studied extensively over the last centu ry. Genetic studies of retinoblastoma have yielded unique insights int o familial cancer syndromes and the mechanisms of oncogenesis by tumou r suppressor genes such as the RB1 gene. In this view, we will summari ze past research into the genetics of retinoblastoma that led to the d iscovery of the RB1 gene and discuss the influence these results have had on the field of cancer research. In addition, we will discuss curr ent research into RB1 as it relates to cancer and its potential for ne w therapies.