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HEREDITAS ›› 2011, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (2): 117-122.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1005.2011.00117

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The progress of TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusions and their mechanism in prostate cancer

GUO Xiao-Qiang1, 2, GUI Yao-Ting1, CAI Zhi-Ming1   

  1. 1. The Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China; 
    2. Department of Biochemistry, Bethune Military medical College, Shijiazhuang 050081, China
  • Received:2010-05-05 Revised:2010-07-20 Online:2011-02-20 Published:2011-02-25
  • Contact: CAI Zhi-Ming E-mail:caizhiming2000@yahoo.com.cn

Abstract: The gene fusions between transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and E26 (ETS) transcription factors are present in over 50% of patients with prostate cancer. TMPRSS2-ERG is the most common gene fusion type. The ERG overexpression induced by TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion contributes to the development of prostate cancer. Both androgen receptor binding and genotoxic stress induce chromosomal proximity and TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusions. TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion functions as a biomarker for prostate cancer, which can be easily detected in urine. This review focuses on the characteristics, oncogenic and rearranged mechanism, and clinical application of TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusions.

Key words: prostate cancer, gene fusion, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), E26, rearranged mechanism