Methotrexate resistance and gene amplification: an experimental model for the generation of cellular heterogeneity
1985
Methotrexate Resistance and Gene Amplification
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): R.T. Schimke, A. Hill, R.N. Johnston
Primary Institution: Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University
Hypothesis
Can gene amplification lead to resistance against methotrexate in cancer cells?
Conclusion
Gene amplification can cause resistance to methotrexate, resulting in a heterogeneous population of cancer cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Gene amplification leads to a heterogeneous cell population with varying resistance levels.
- Resistance can arise from multiple mechanisms, including gene amplification.
- Overreplication of DNA during a single cell cycle can result in chromosomal changes.
Takeaway
Some cancer cells can become super strong against medicine because they make extra copies of a special gene. This makes them different from each other.
Methodology
The study reviews experiments on gene amplification and its effects on methotrexate resistance in cultured mammalian cells.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on laboratory findings, which may not fully translate to clinical settings.
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