The non-random location of human oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes

Abstract

We have analysed 994 sites for oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes located within human chromosome bands. The data presented disclose that: 1) These cancer genes build ridges as well as hot spots, which are not related to the position of other types of genes present in these chromosomes. 2) The frequency of cancer genes is not directly related to chromosome length, to the number of DNA bases per chromosome or to the number of structural genes present in each chromosome. 3) Suppressor genes tend to occupy the same location as oncogenes. 4) Several cancer genes occur in as many as 15 different sites spread over 10 different chromosomes. 5) The main feature of the distribution of both oncogenes and suppressors, is that they tend to be located near telomeres. Moreover, their numbers decrease from the telomere to the centromere building a distinct gradient. The difference is statistically significant. The present evidence, taken together, indicates that the telomeric territory might be a preferential location of cancer related genes and thereby also of stem cell genes