ERG (gene)

ERG (gene)

The ERG gene is a member of the Ets family of transcription factors and encodes a protein with three tandem C2H2-type zinc fingers. This protein is known to play a crucial role in regulating cellular development and cell proliferation. Mutations in the ERG gene have been associated with various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer and Ewing's sarcoma.

Structure

The ERG gene is located on the 21st chromosome (21q22.2) and spans approximately 207,000 base pairs. The gene is composed of 11 exons, and the full-length nature of some of these variants has not been determined.

Function

The ERG gene encodes a transcription factor that is a member of the ETS family. This protein is involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. It is also involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis, the process by which the cellular components of blood are made in the body.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the ERG gene are associated with several types of cancer. The most common alteration is a gene fusion between the ERG gene and the TMPRSS2 gene, which is often found in prostate cancer. This fusion leads to the overexpression of the ERG protein, which can promote cancer growth and progression.

In addition, ERG gene fusions have been identified in Ewing's sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. These fusions often involve the EWSR1 gene and result in a chimeric protein that can drive cancer development.

See also

• Ets family
• Transcription factor
• Prostate cancer
• Ewing's sarcoma