Altered telomeres in tumors with ATRX and DAXX mutations.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The proteins encoded by ATRX and DAXX participate in chromatin remodeling at telomeres and other genomic sites. Because inactivating mutations of these genes are common in human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), we examined the telomere status of these tumors. We found that 61% of PanNETs displayed abnormal telomeres that are characteristic of a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism termed ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres). All of the PanNETs exhibiting these abnormal telomeres had ATRX or DAXX mutations or loss of nuclear ATRX or DAXX protein. ATRX mutations also correlate with abnormal telomeres in tumors of the central nervous system. These data suggest that an alternative telomere maintenance function may operate in human tumors with alterations in the ATRX or DAXX genes.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Heaphy, CM; de Wilde, RF; Jiao, Y; Klein, AP; Edil, BH; Shi, C; Bettegowda, C; Rodriguez, FJ; Eberhart, CG; Hebbar, S; Offerhaus, GJ; McLendon, R; Rasheed, BA; He, Y; Yan, H; Bigner, DD; Oba-Shinjo, SM; Marie, SKN; Riggins, GJ; Kinzler, KW; Vogelstein, B; Hruban, RH; Maitra, A; Papadopoulos, N; Meeker, AK

Published Date

  • July 22, 2011

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 333 / 6041

Start / End Page

  • 425 -

PubMed ID

  • 21719641

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3174141

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1095-9203

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1126/science.1207313

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States