Kataegis
Kataegis (pronounced: kəˈtājəs) is a phenomenon observed in the field of genomics and cancer research. It refers to a pattern of localized hypermutation within the DNA of cancer cells. The term is derived from the Greek word καταιγίς, meaning "thunderstorm".
Etymology
The term "Kataegis" was first introduced in a 2012 study by Alexandrov LB, Nik-Zainal S, Wedge DC, Campbell PJ and Stratton MR. The researchers chose this term due to the pattern of mutations observed, which they likened to a sudden, localized downpour of mutations, similar to a thunderstorm.
Description
Kataegis is characterized by multiple C to T mutations occurring in a row on one DNA strand. These clusters of mutations are often found in regions of the genome associated with cancer development. The exact mechanism behind Kataegis is still under investigation, but it is believed to be associated with the activity of the APOBEC family of cytidine deaminases.
Related Terms
- Hypermutation: An unusually high frequency of mutations. Kataegis is a form of localized hypermutation.
- Cytosine: One of the four main bases found in DNA and RNA. It is often the target of mutations in Kataegis.
- Thymine: One of the four main bases found in DNA. In Kataegis, cytosine is often mutated to thymine.
- APOBEC: A family of enzymes that can mutate DNA by changing cytosine to uracil. They are believed to play a role in Kataegis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kataegis
- Wikipedia's article - Kataegis
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