Instabilidade cromossômica e alterações na expressão da telomerase durante a carcinogênese

Abstract

Cytogenetics is an important tool in the study of cancer biology. Following the molecular revolution, this area has been underexplored and represents just a small portion of cancer genetic studies. Recent studies have shown the importance of chromosome rearrangements to carcinogenesis. There are two models that attempt to explain carcinogenesis: the conventional genetic models, in which punctual mutations and epigenetic alterations are responsible for tumorigenesis and the model based on chromosomal changes, indicating that cytogenetic aberrations are responsible, by providing chromosomes with all necessary genes for carcinogenesis. Thus, more research must be done to clarify the importance of the chromosomal rearrangements in cancer, since evidences indicates that the correct chromosome balance is crucial to cancer development. Furthermore, many cytogenetic techniques can be used to help in the diagnosis, prognosis and direct the ideal treatment. The union between the cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics and molecular genetics is essential. This can generate a vast amount of information, improving knowledge about cancer biology and help in the treatment of the disease.