Atonal homolog 1 is a Tumor Suppressor Gene
Author Information
Author(s): Bossuyt Wouter, Kazanjian Avedis, De Geest Natalie, Van Kelst Sofie, De Hertogh Gert, Geboes Karel, Boivin Greg P, Luciani Judith, Fuks Francois, Chuah Marinee, VandenDriessche Thierry, Marynen Peter, Cools Jan, Shroyer Noah F, Hassan Bassem A
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
Hypothesis
Does ATOH1 act as a tumor suppressor gene in vivo in mouse and human models?
Conclusion
Loss of ATOH1 promotes tumor formation and progression in colorectal cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Loss of ATOH1 expression is common in colorectal cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Reactivation of ATOH1 in cancer cells leads to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
- Genetic knockouts in mice show that loss of ATOH1 enhances tumor formation.
- Patients with colorectal cancer often have deletions or methylation of the ATOH1 locus.
Takeaway
A gene called ATOH1 helps prevent cancer by making sure cells grow and die properly. When this gene is missing, it can lead to more tumors.
Methodology
The study used genetic knockouts in mouse models and molecular analyses in human cancer cell lines to assess the role of ATOH1.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on mouse models and human cell lines, which may not fully represent the complexity of human cancers.
Participant Demographics
The study included 42 colorectal cancer patients and 4 Merkel cell carcinoma patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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