Genetic Alterations Linked to Malignant Gliomas

Changes in multiple networking genes, deregulation of ANXA7 gene may play a key role

TUESDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- The development and progression of malignant gliomas may be related to the interactions between a network of altered genes, and the responsible mechanism may be a deregulation of the annexin A7 (ANXA7) gene, according to two related studies published in the July 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Both studies were conducted by researchers from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. In the first study, Markus Bredel, M.D., and colleagues analyzed the relationships of tumor-promoting genes in gliomas. They found that alterations of multiple networking genes resulting from recurrent chromosomal aberrations in gliomas were responsible for deregulating critical signaling pathways, and that an increased number of mutations was associated with a poor prognosis.

In a second study, Ajay K. Yadav, Ph.D., and colleagues studied the functional relationship between two highly interactive genes identified in the first study: ANXA7 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). They found that glioblastoma cells with decreased ANXA7 had increased tumorigenicity, expressed significantly higher levels of EGFR, and, enhanced EGFR signaling.

"The potential clinical implications of these findings are significant," state the authors of an accompanying editorial. "First, they highlight a pattern of codependent genetic interactions, which will need to be taken into account when designing novel therapeutic interventions in this otherwise therapy-refractory disease. Second, they provide a novel prognostic tool that may guide future therapeutic interventions."

Abstract - Bredel
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Abstract - Yadav
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Editorial

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