Genomic study of cervical cancer brings disease cure closer to reality

A team of researchers has completed a comprehensive genomic analysis of cervical cancer in two patient populations and has identified recurrent genetic mutations not previously found in the disease, i

By: Agencies | | Updated: January 9, 2014 4:40 pm

A team of researchers has completed a comprehensive genomic analysis of cervical cancer in two patient populations and has identified recurrent genetic mutations not previously found in the disease, including at least one for which targeted treatments have been approved for other forms of cancer.

In each case, the researchers compared genomic data derived from cervical cancer tumours with genomic data from healthy tissue from the same individual to determine what may have gone wrong – or mutated – in the genome to allow the cancer to develop. The mutations identified in tumours but not in healthy tissues from the same individuals are referred to as somatic mutations. (Read: Plasma thermogram – New method to detect cervical cancer)

The study identified 13 mutations that occurred frequently enough across the samples to be considered significant in cervical cancer. Eight of these mutations had not been linked to the disease previously, and two had not previously been seen in any cancer type.

Among the most notable findings were somatic point mutations in the gene ERBB2, which was found in a small but significant subset of the tumours. Mutations in this gene, which is also known as Her-2, had not been previously been linked to cervical cancer, but it is a known oncogene common in breast cancer. Treatments exist that target the gene.

The team also identified a novel mutation in the gene MAPK1. MAPK1 is one of the final steps in the MAP kinase signaling pathway – a network of interconnected genes that play a role in cell growth regulation.

Another key finding was the prevalence of mutations in genes affecting the immune system.

Finally, transcriptome sequencing, which allowed the team to analyze gene expression – how and when genes are activated across the genome – enabled the researchers to learn more about how HPV is driving cervical cancer.

Source: ANI

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Published : December 26, 2013 5:13 pm | Updated:January 9, 2014 4:40 pm

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