Chromosome 16

Cancer is a heterogeneous disorder with invasive and metastatic potential. It is a deadly disorder affecting 1 in 6 people worldwide. Hence, it is important to eliminate the disease. Genetic alterations remain an underlying cause of cancer, and several gene mutations were involved in causing different types of cancer. Recently, researchers have been investigating the role of genetic mutations in causing cancer. For this reason, the genes associated with chromosome 16 were investigated for their role in causing cancer. This study revealed 70 genes associated with cancer. Of which, the cadherin genes (CDH11, CDH13, and CDH1), AXIN-1, ANKRD11, BANP, CYLD, CBFA2T3, IR8, MVP, MT1F, NQO1 and PYCARD was the tumor suppressor, and the gene MSLN is the potential oncogene. CBFB and MYH11 are well-known fusion genes associated with this chromosome. Loss of heterogeneity was noted in the q arm of this chromosome. The chromosome translocations, t (16;16) (16) (p13q22), t (16;21) (21) (p11;q22), t (12;16) (q13; p13; p11), t(16;21) (p11;q22) and t(7;16) (q33; p11) led to the development of acute myeloid leukemia, leukemia, and sarcoma. Several other genes associated with chromosome 16 responsible for cancer initiation and proliferation are summarized in this chapter. A novel insight into the genetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets has been provided to develop potential therapeutic strategies against cancer.