Scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research in London have discovered that mutations in the CTR9 gene are responsible for Wilms tumor in some children with an inherited form of the kidney cancer. CTR9 is a component of the PAF1 protein complex, which plays a part in telling genes to shut on or off. The researchers found the gene by studying patients from families with multiple cases of Wilms tumor. The findings open the door for future investigations into the cause of the mutations, as well as a simple blood test to screen children at risk of familial Wilms tumor.
Source:
Mutations in a Gene Essential for Cell Regulation Cause Kidney Cancer in Children, Eurekalert, August 7, 2014