CONSEQUENCES OF CHROMOSOMAL-ABNORMALITIES IN TUMOR-DEVELOPMENT

This article highlights recent advances in the molecular structure and function of proteins that are activated or created by chromosomal abn ormalities and discusses their possible role in tumor development. The molecular characterization of these proteins has revealed that tumor- specific fusion proteins are the consequence of most chromosome transl ocations associated with leukemias and solid tumors. An emerging commo n theme is that creation of these proteins disrupts the normal develop ment of tumor-specific target cells by blocking apoptosis. These insig hts identify these chromosomal translocation-associated genes as poten tial targets for improved cancer therapies.