Cancer Genetics
Cancer develops when several genes in a cell become mutated in a way that overrides the checks and balances of the cell. However, many cancers cannot be tied to a specific gene, and some genes may interact in unpredictable ways with other genes or factors in the environment to cause cancer. By analysing the cancer genome, or characterising the genetic changes required to promote and/or sustain tumour formation, coupled with cancer models as well as recent advancements in cloning and sequencing technologies, it is hoped that we can develop a better understanding of cancer, and help devise effective treatment strategies to the disease.
A*STAR institutes that carry out research in the cancer genetics include the, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB).
| Cancer Genetics |
| Cancer Biology and Pharmacology Division |
GIS |
| Papillomavirus Regulation and Cancer |
IMB |
| Singapore Oncogenome Project |
IMB |
| Cancer Genetics Research |
IMCB |
| Cell Cycle Control and Tumorigenesis |
IMCB |
| RUNX Genes in Development and Cancer |
IMCB |
| Cell Division & Cancer Research (Dr Philipp Kaldis) |
IMCB |
Some recent highlights of their research efforts include:
- Identification of a gene, known as RCP (or RAB11FIP1), that is frequently amplified and over-expressed in breast cancer and functionally contributes to aggressive breast cancer behaviour. The involvement of RCP in breast cancer progression may have significant clinical ramifications and the team is working towards a better understanding of its mechanism of action.
# "RCP is a human breast cancer-promoting gene with Ras-activating function." Zhang Jinqiu, Liu Xuejing, Datta Arpita, Govindarajan Kunde, Tam Wai Leong, Han Jianyong, George Joshy, Wong Christopher, Ramnarayanan Kalpana, Phua Tze Yoong, Leong Wan Yee, Chan Yang Sun, Palanisamy Nallasivam, Liu Edison Tak-Bun, Karuturi Krishna Murthy, Lim Bing, Miller Lance David (2009) J. Clin. Invest. 2009 Jul 20.