Queen’s research sheds light on mechanism linked to the development of aggressive prostate cancer

For immediate release

January 26, 2011

KINGSTON, ON --Researchers at Queen’s University have identified a possible cause for the loss of a tumor-suppressor gene that plays a critical role in prostate cancer.

The loss of this gene, known as PTEN, has been associated with the development of more aggressive forms of the disease. 

Based on their examination of tissue samples from prostate cancer patients, Dr. Jeremy Squire and his team at Queen’s Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine were able to show that loss of the PTEN gene occurred close to a large, unstable segment of DNA. Their discovery suggests that proximity of PTEN to this region made the cancer-suppressing genes more prone to being deleted or inactivated.

“For the first time we now have some idea of the mechanism by which the PTEN gene is deleted. This is an important step in understanding how aggressive prostate cancer develops,” says Dr. Michael Wells, Commercial Development Director at PARTEQ Innovations.

The researchers made the discovery using a novel gene-detection technology developed by Dr. Squire and his laboratory.  This FISH technology, called Del-TECT™, is now being offered by CymoGen Dx , a U.S.-based genomic diagnostics company. Dr. Squire’s technology was exclusively licensed to Cymogen DX earlier this year by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s University.

Dr. Squire’s research utilized a proprietary fluorescent labeling system invented by CymoGen Dx called Clear View™. The sensitivity of this labeling methodology enables researchers to identify and analyse, with unprecedented accuracy, the loss of critical tumor genes.  This approach significantly improves on current methods for identifying PTEN loss and has the potential to  lead to better treatment of prostate cancer patients.

The researchers’ findings were published in the current edition of the journal Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer.

Contact:

Dr. Michael Wells

Commercial Development Director

P: 613. 533. 6000 x 79138

E: mwells@parteqinnovations.com