Restriction enzymes in the analysis of genetic alterations responsible for cancer progression.
BACKGROUND
Molecular approaches are increasingly being employed to dissect the genetic changes accompanying tumour formation. These methods can often be confusing to the non-specialist as they include complex molecular steps. This can reduce the usefulness of such molecular data to clinicians. The authors aim to aid interpretation of molecular studies in general by presenting a comprehensive review of one molecular approach, i.e. the use of restriction enzymes in molecular studies of tumour development.


METHODS
A review was made of the molecular studies that have employed restriction enzymes in gastrointestinal cancer research. These studies have used restriction enzymes to analyse point mutation induction, gene methylation status and the deletion of chromosomal loci. In addition, emphasis is placed on some of the important considerations for the molecular analysis of tumours that can affect the molecular data obtained.


RESULTS
Restriction enzyme digestion has played, and continues to play, a major role in analysing the genetic changes in cancer. Many adaptations of basic restriction enzyme methodologies have enhanced the application of this approach in cancer genetics.


CONCLUSIONS
The availability of 200 different restriction enzymes, each recognizing different sequences in DNA, has been invaluable in studying cancer genetics. It is hoped that current advances in protein engineering will facilitate the creation of novel restriction enzymes with tailor-made sequence specificities. This will further improve the applicability of restriction enzymes in cancer genetics.
Jenkins
G J S
GJ
Human Molecular Pathology Group, Swansea Clinical School, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK. g.j.jenkins@swansea.ac.uk
Williams
G L
GL
Beynon
J
J
Ye
Z
Z
Baxter
J N
JN
Parry
J M
JM
D019175:DNA Methylation; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes / Q000235:genetics*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000502:physiology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D019656:Loss of Heterozygosity; D017354:Point Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D015183:Restriction Mapping / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors
D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes