Ink4a

The CDKN2A (INK4a/ARF) locus encodes two distinct cell cycle inhibitors, p16Ink4a and p19ARF, both of which have been implicated in tumorigenesis. In the September 6 Nature, two independent groups report the generation of knockout mice specifically lacking p16Ink4a. Surprisingly, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking p16Ink4a were normal in terms of growth characteristics, senescence phenotypes and resistance to oncogenic Ras-induced transformation.These observations are in contrast to resu

| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

The CDKN2A (INK4a/ARF) locus encodes two distinct cell cycle inhibitors, p16Ink4a and p19ARF, both of which have been implicated in tumorigenesis. In the September 6 Nature, two independent groups report the generation of knockout mice specifically lacking p16Ink4a. Surprisingly, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking p16Ink4a were normal in terms of growth characteristics, senescence phenotypes and resistance to oncogenic Ras-induced transformation.

These observations are in contrast to results obtained with p19ARF-null fibroblasts. But both groups provide evidence for a role in tumour suppression: Krimpenfort et al. report that p16Ink4a mutation results in a susceptibility to spontaneous and carcinogen-induced melanoma formation (Nature 2001, 413:83-86). Sharpless et al. also found sarcomas, adenomas and lymphomas (Nature 2001, 413:86-91). These results establish that the CDKN2A locus does indeed contain two distinct tumour suppressor genes.

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

  • Jonathan Weitzman

    This person does not yet have a bio.
Share
A greyscale image of cells dividing.
March 2025, Issue 1

How Do Embryos Know How Fast to Develop

In mammals, intracellular clocks begin to tick within days of fertilization.

View this Issue
Stem Cell Strategies for Skin Repair

Stem Cell Strategies for Skin Repair

iStock: Ifongdesign

The Advent of Automated and AI-Driven Benchwork

sampled
Discover the history, mechanics, and potential of PCR.

Become a PCR Pro

Integra Logo
3D rendered cross section of influenza viruses, showing surface proteins on the outside and single stranded RNA inside the virus

Genetic Insights Break Infectious Pathogen Barriers

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

dispensette-s-group

BRAND® Dispensette® S Bottle Top Dispensers for Precise and Safe Reagent Dispensing

Sapio Sciences

Sapio Sciences Makes AI-Native Drug Discovery Seamless with NVIDIA BioNeMo

DeNovix Logo

New DeNovix Helium Nano Volume Spectrophotometer

Olink Logo

Olink® Reveal: Accessible NGS-based proteomics for every lab

Olink logo