A Chimeric RNA Characteristic of Rhabdomyosarcoma in Normal Myogenesis Process

Abstract

A chimeric fusion RNA, PAX3-FOXO1, associated with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, is also present in normal non-cancer cells and tissues. Its transient expression nature and the absence of t(2;13) chromosomal translocation are consistent with a posttranscriptional mechanism. When constantly expressed, PAX3-FOXO1 interfered with the muscle differentiation process, which presumably contributes to tumorigenesis.