[Chromosome abnormalities and tumor suppressor gene in childhood cancer]

Abstract

Retinoblastoma gene has been cloned, and gene product has been characterized precisely. Recently, Wilms' tumor gene has been cloned, and interestingly, its expression was found in genitourinary system, suggesting that anomaly of this system was due to WT gene itself. Molecular analysis performed in colon cancer suggested that several tumor suppressor genes were involved in carcinogenesis and progression of this tumor. These findings revealed that tumor suppressor genes were involved in the development of adult cancer as well as childhood embryonal tumors. Chromosome abnormalities and tumor suppressor gene in childhood cancer are reviewed and referred to future prospects.