U.S. researchers decode first complete genome sequence of a cancer

by William Atkins

Sunday, 09 November 2008

Page 1 of 2 ! The first complete DNA sequencing of a cancer genome was performed successfully at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The success could likely lead to more specialized diagnoses and treatments for cancers. Timothy J. Ley and Elaine R. Mardis, from the Department of Genetics at The Genome Center at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. led a large group of researchers from the states of Missouri and Washington in the decoding of the cancer genome that causes acute myeloid leukemia. Science News reports in its article “First complete cancer genome sequenced” (subscription may be required) that “These acute myeloid leukemia cells are from the bone marrow of the female patient whose complete genome was sequenced in the first decoding of a complete cancer genome. The genetic study implicated eight genes not previously associated with this form of cancer.” Their resulting paper was published, on November 6, 2008, in the journal Nature. Its title is “DNA sequencing of a cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia genome.” They performed DNA sequencing on a “highly malignant hematopoietic tumor,” where hematopoietic refers to the formation of blood or blood cells, pertaining to acute myeloid leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is a highly malignant cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells. Specifically, it produces a rapid accumulation of abnormal cells (leukemia cells) in the blood and bone marrow, which interferes with the normal production of blood cells (that is, it decreases the numbers of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells). About 1.2% of the cancer deaths in the United States are the result of AML. Page two continues the story. << First page <   1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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