Can too many copies of a gene drive pancreas cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports

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Perhaps you recall from high school biology that you have 23 pairs of chromosomes. A Johns Hopkins study has shown that one arm of chromosome one, the biggest chromosome, is often copied many times in pancreas cancer, and that part of the chromosome has genes that very well might be primary drivers in the disease. Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson explains.

Nelson: Which part of the chromosome arm is most commonly the one that is gained and what's the smallest area you can sort of pin down? In particular they found two genes. These genes are the blueprints for subunits of a protein complex called gamma secretase. There are a number of these gamma secretase inhibitors, they are working their way into clinical trials for cancers, including for pancreas cancer. and this would be very consistent with one of those inhibitors being effective as an adjunct to treating pancreas cancer.  :30

Completely characterizing pancreas cancer from a genetic standpoint does point the way to interventions, Nelson affirms. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.