ELAC2 is a novel candidate cancer susceptibility gene located on chromosome 17p: Carriers of mutations in ELAC2 display a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Overexpression of ELAC2 in tumor cells causes a delay in G2-M progression characterized by accumulation of cyclin B levels. Consistent with a function in mitosis, further biochemical analysis revealed that ELAC2 physically interacts with the gamma-tubulin complex. This is the first biologic insight into the function of this new putative cancer susceptibility gene, providing clues of how perturbation of ELAC2 might promote tumorigenesis through irregular cell division.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.