Double minute chromosome

Double Minute Chromosome
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Gene amplification
Risks
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
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Medication
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Deaths	N/A

Overview

Double minute chromosomes (DMs) are small, extrachromosomal fragments of DNA that are often found in cancer cells. They are a form of gene amplification and are typically associated with the overexpression of oncogenes, which can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Structure and Formation

Double minute chromosomes are acentric, meaning they lack a centromere, and are typically circular. They are formed through the process of gene amplification, where segments of DNA are duplicated multiple times. This can occur due to errors in DNA replication or as a result of genomic instability in cancer cells.

Role in Cancer

Double minute chromosomes are frequently observed in various types of cancer, including neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer. They often carry amplified oncogenes, such as MYC or EGFR, which drive the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. The presence of DMs is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to certain therapies.

Detection and Analysis

Double minute chromosomes can be detected using various cytogenetic techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). These methods allow for the visualization and quantification of DMs in cancer cells, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Clinical Implications

The presence of double minute chromosomes in a tumor can have significant clinical implications. They are often associated with aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to chemotherapy. Understanding the genetic content of DMs can help in the development of targeted therapies aimed at the amplified oncogenes they carry.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of double minute chromosome formation and their role in cancer progression. There is also interest in developing therapeutic strategies to target DMs and the oncogenes they harbor, potentially improving outcomes for patients with DM-positive tumors.

See Also

• Gene amplification
• Oncogene
• Chromosomal instability
• Extrachromosomal DNA

External Links

• [Link to relevant medical resources]