Tumorigenesis

Research conducted at University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has updated our knowledge about B-cell lymphoma genetics

Tumorigenesis Library Library Home This article was published in Clinical Oncology Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"WWOX tumor suppressor activity was suggested by re-expressing WWOX in breast, ovarian, and lung tumor cell lines leading to tumor growth inhibition in vivo. To determine whether loss of Wwox gene expression has a role in tumorigenesis, we generated a mouse strain containing a Wwox gene mutated by a gene-trap vector. Homozygous Wwox gene-trap mice (Wwox(gt/gt)) had no detectable Wwox protein in most tissues examined, although, a low level could be detected in a minority of tissues. Because of these observations, we concluded that these mice are Wwox hypomorphs. Remarkably, Wwox hypomorphic mice are viable in contrast to the recently reported postnatal lethality of Wwox knockout mice. Testes from Wwox(gt/gt) males had high numbers of atrophic seminiferous tubules and reduced fertility when compared with wild-type counterparts," wrote J.H. Ludes-Meyers and colleagues, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The researchers concluded: "We observed that the Wwox(gt/gt) mice had a significantly shorter lifespan, and female hypomorphs had a higher incidence of spontaneous B-cell lymphomaswe describe a novel Wwox hypomorphic mouse model that overcomes postnatal lethality that was recently observed in Wwox knockout mice. Therefore, tumorigenesis studies using this model more closely recapitulates the loss of WWOX expression observed in human cancers. Importantly, our observation that Wwox hypomorphs had an increased incidence of B-cell lymphomas supports a role of Wwox as a tumor suppressor."

Ludes-Meyers and colleagues published their study in Genes, Chromosomes, and Cancer (WWOX hypomorphic mice display a higher incidence of B-cell lymphomas and develop testicular atrophy. Genes, Chromosomes, and Cancer, 2007;46(12):1129-36).

For additional information, contact J.H. Ludes-Meyers, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park-Research Division, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957 USA..

The publisher's contact information for the journal Genes, Chromosomes, and Cancer is: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

Keywords: United States, Smithville, B-Cell Lymphoma Genetics, Atrophy, B-Cell Lymphoma, Biotechnology, Cancer, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Hematology, Neurology, Oncology, Tumor Suppression.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.