ESRRA-C11orf20 Is a Recurrent Gene Fusion in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
2011

Recurrent Gene Fusion in Ovarian Cancer

Sample size: 67 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Julia Salzman, Robert J. Marinelli, Peter L. Wang, Ann E. Green, Julie S. Nielsen, Brad H. Nelson, Charles W. Drescher, Patrick O. Brown

Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The recurrent novel fusion transcript ESRRA-C11orf20 may play a role in the pathogenesis of a substantial fraction of serous ovarian cancers.

Conclusion

The ESRRA-C11orf20 fusion is present in about 15% of serous ovarian cancers, suggesting it could be a significant molecular marker for detection.

Supporting Evidence

  • Deep sequencing identified a recurrent fusion transcript in serous ovarian cancers.
  • 10 out of 67 cases tested were positive for the ESRRA-C11orf20 fusion.
  • The fusion may provide a molecular marker for early detection of ovarian cancer.

Takeaway

Scientists found a new gene fusion in ovarian cancer that happens in many tumors, which could help doctors find and treat the cancer earlier.

Methodology

The study used deep paired-end sequencing of mRNA from serous ovarian cancers and confirmed findings with RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Limitations

The prevalence of the fusion may be an under-estimate due to potential false negatives in PCR replicates.

Participant Demographics

The study involved patients with serous ovarian cancer from two institutions.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

7% to 26%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.1001156

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