Abstract
The proteins encoded by ATRX and DAXX participate in chromatin remodeling at telomeres and other genomic sites. Because inactivating mutations of these genes are common in human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), we examined the telomere status of these tumors. We found that 61% of PanNETs displayed abnormal telomeres that are characteristic of a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism termed ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres). All of the PanNETs exhibiting these abnormal telomeres had ATRX or DAXX mutations or loss of nuclear ATRX or DAXX protein. ATRX mutations also correlate with abnormal telomeres in tumors of the central nervous system. These data suggest that an alternative telomere maintenance function may operate in human tumors with alterations in the ATRX or DAXX genes.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics*
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
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Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / genetics*
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Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology
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Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / physiopathology
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Cell Nucleus / metabolism
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Central Nervous System Neoplasms / genetics*
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Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
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Central Nervous System Neoplasms / physiopathology
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Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
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Co-Repressor Proteins
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DNA Helicases / genetics*
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DNA Helicases / metabolism
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
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Molecular Chaperones
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Mutant Proteins / genetics
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Mutant Proteins / metabolism
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Mutation
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
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Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics*
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / physiopathology
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Phenotype
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Telomere / physiology*
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Telomere / ultrastructure
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X-linked Nuclear Protein
Substances
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Co-Repressor Proteins
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DAXX protein, human
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Molecular Chaperones
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Mutant Proteins
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Nuclear Proteins
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DNA Helicases
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ATRX protein, human
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X-linked Nuclear Protein