Researchers involved in the cytogenetics and molecular genetics of human tumors will welcome this comprehensive overview of the type of aberrations that chromosome 12 presents in human solid tumors. The authors study the implications for a cytogenetic subtyping of the tumors involved and strategies for identifying the molecular changes which underlie the karyotypic alterations. The aberrations of chromosome 12 which the book deals with are very frequent chromosomal alterations in human tumors occuring in frequent benign mesenchymal tumors, such as uterine leiomyomas and lipomas, and in tumors of epithelial origin, such as pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands.
The pace of discovery, within the EU, of scientific aspects of cancer research and of developments in the clinical field is so rapid that it is sometimes difficult to keep abreast. This brief overview attempts to highlight some of the advances in the field, as part of BIOMED programme funded research and specific results due to the co-operative spirit established by the scientific community. It is particularly worth noting the financial investment of 35 million ECU in the current programme, has d as a catalyst in attracting a large number of Member States funded research in pooling their collective knowledge base.
This edited book, Chromosomal Abnormalities - A Hallmark Manifestation of Genomic Instability, contains a series of chapters highlighting several aspects related to the generation of chromosomal abnormalities in genetic material. We are extremely grateful to the authors who had contributed with valuable information about the role of genomic instability in pathological disorders as well as in the evolution process.
The Role of Chromosomes in Cancer Biology provides a description of the molecular organization and function of chromosomes and the consequences of chromosomal aberrations in human development. The book presents accounts on the structure and function of the chromosome; the cellular features of primary tumors and ascetic fluid; the cytological actions of radiation and drugs and their relevance to therapy. Developmental disorders caused by chromosomal anomalies; chromosome aneuploidy in human malignancies; and viral oncogenesis are discussed as well. The book will prove to be very insightful to those involved in cancer research, oncologists, cytologists, and molecular biologists.
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosome morphology, structure, pathology, function, and behavior. The field has evolved to embrace molecular cytogenetic changes, now termed cytogenomics. Cytogeneticists utilize an assortment of procedures to investigate the full complement of chromosomes and/or a targeted region within a specific chromosome in metaphase or interphase. Tools include routine analysis of G-banded chromosomes, specialized stains that address specific chromosomal structures, and molecular probes, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosome microarray analysis, which employ a variety of methods to highlight a region as small as a single, specific genetic sequence under investigation. The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual, Fourth Edition offers a comprehensive description of the diagnostic tests offered by the clinical laboratory and explains the science behind them. One of the most valuable assets is its rich compilation of laboratory-tested protocols currently being used in leading laboratories, along with practical advice for nearly every area of interest to cytogeneticists. In addition to covering essential topics that have been the backbone of cytogenetics for over 60 years, such as the basic components of a cell, use of a microscope, human tissue processing for cytogenetic analysis (prenatal, constitutional, and neoplastic), laboratory safety, and the mechanisms behind chromosome rearrangement and aneuploidy, this edition introduces new and expanded chapters by experts in the field. Some of these new topics include a unique collection of chromosome heteromorphisms; clinical examples of genomic imprinting; an example-driven overview of chromosomal microarray; mathematics specifically geared for the cytogeneticist; usage of ISCN’s cytogenetic language to describe chromosome changes; tips for laboratory management; examples of laboratory information systems; a collection of internet and library resources; and a special chapter on animal chromosomes for the research and zoo cytogeneticist. The range of topics is thus broad yet comprehensive, offering the student a resource that teaches the procedures performed in the cytogenetics laboratory environment, and the laboratory professional with a peer-reviewed reference that explores the basis of each of these procedures. This makes it a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and lab professionals, as well as students in a university or medical school setting.
Tumors can be induced by a variety of physical and chemical carcinogens. The resulting tumor cells are usually abnormal in their morphology and behavior and transmit their abnormalities to their daughter tumor cells. Most theories of the pathogenesis of tumors suggest that carcinogens in some way cause alterations either of the genomes or of inheritable patterns of gene expression in normal cells, which then cause morphological and behavioral changes. This volume presents a collection of articles aimed at the question by what genetic or epigenetic mechanisms carcinogens can cause morphological abnormalities of tumor cells. It includes reviews of cellular targets of known carcinogens, and presents varying viewpoints of how morphological abnormalities and the actions of carcinogens might be related. The volume will be of interest to all those who are involved in cancer research or in the prevention, diagnosis or management of tumors in humans or animals.
