Tumor suppressor genes with special emphasis on the APC tumor suppressor gene
Pećina-Slaus, N.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 120(7-8): 219-227
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 9919881 Document Number: 490192
Tumor suppressor genes play a central role in the genesis and progression of human cancers. Genetic alterations of tumor suppressor genes have been found in a variety of hereditary and nonhereditary cancers. Persons that carry a hereditary mutation in tumor suppressor genes are strongly predisposed to one or more kinds of cancer. This review brings current developments in the field of tumor suppressor genes. Special emphasis is dedicated to recently discovered tumor suppressor gene APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) whose mutations are responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The known mutations of the APC gene are described. The role of the APC gene in tumor development, as well as the possibility for presymptomatic genetic testing is also discussed in the paper.