An article published in Medical News Today states that researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute have found a method to identify chromosomal translocations. Chromosomal translocations are when genetic material is rearranged in a way that it produces carcinogenic mutations. Chromosomal translocations are found on a daily basis but finding them have been difficult. The method of finding chromosomal translocations combines microarray technology and a novel antibody was developed by Dr. Stephen Lessnick. Microarray technology looks for copious amounts of chromosomal translocations during one test while an antibody can detect chromosomal translocations. "With this method, there's potential to develop a single array that could test for every known cancer-causing translocation simultaneously. Currently, a clinician has to decide beforehand which specific cancer to test," Dr. Lessnick states.
The case study used for the research was Ewing’s Sarcoma. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare bone cancer that affects children. The method was developed using this particular type of cancer, but Dr. Lessnick states that this method can be used for various types of cancers caused by chromosomal translocations. This method developed by Dr. Lessnick allows researchers to search for specific cancers based on their chromosomal translocations.
Developments of new methods for locating mutations and genes are just as important as finding the genes and mutations themselves. Without technology that can find the genes and mutations, we wouldn’t be making as much progress and advancements. We would still be in the dark about many diseases and conditions that exist. Even if we didn’t have these advancements in technology, we would still be moving forward, it would just take longer. This article was informative and gave me another insight on different techniques being developed from research.
[caption id="attachment_4342" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Microarray Technology"]
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