Rare heart disease linked to oncogene

Article Abstract:

A rare hereditary disturbance in the heart rhythm (arrhythmia), the long QT syndrome (named for its appearance on the electrocardiogram), may be associated with the presence of the ras gene, which has been implicated in the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. Patients with the long QT syndrome are prone to develop ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the heart suddenly begins to contract irregularly and ineffectually; without prompt treatment, death occurs within minutes. Unfortunately, an abnormally long QT interval (the disorder's distinguishing characteristic) can be difficult to distinguish from normal patterns. With appropriate treatment, however, sudden death can be prevented, so identification of affected individuals by genetic analysis offers hope. Researchers analyzed a large family affected by this disease and found that the ras gene was present in a very high proportion of the members. The defective gene itself may not cause long QT syndrome; rather, a nearby gene on chromosome 11 could be the culprit. The ras gene has important roles in cell growth and in the movement of potassium ions across cell membranes, critical for heart contractility. Ras thus emerges as significant for cancer and heart disease alike. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Genetic aspects, Congenital heart disease, Congenital heart defects, Arrhythmia, Ras genes

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New colon cancer gene discovered

Article Abstract:

Two researchers, Albert de la Chapelle and Bert Vogelstein, have discovered a gene that may explain why colon cancer tends to occur in families. The suspected gene is a strand of 'microsatellite' DNA located on human chromosome 2. The strand shows unusual instability and, when mutated, fails to regulate cell growth, resulting in colon cancer.

Research, Causes of, Colorectal cancer, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Genetic disorders, Medical genetics, Satellite DNA

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