Genetic susceptibility, somatic mosaicisms and predisposition to human cancer.
We herein propose that specific chromosomal aberrations associated with specific neoplasms are not necessarily inherited as a constitutional trait. High-risk individuals may have a tendency to undergo specific somatic mutations or chromosomal rearrangements at a relatively low frequency in all tissues as mosaicism. This may potentiate the development of specific somatic cancers. Our hypothesis may be applicable to both hereditary and sporadic types of neoplasms.
Pathak
S
S
Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Dhaliwal
M K
MK
Hopwood
V L
VL
D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000209:etiology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D009030:Mosaicism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D009396:Wilms Tumor / Q000235:genetics