LOH is an acronym that stands for "Loss of Heterozygosity." It is a genetic phenomenon that occurs when an individual loses one copy of a specific gene or chromosomal region, resulting in the presence of only one allele instead of the usual two. This loss of heterozygosity can be caused by various mechanisms, such as gene deletion, gene conversion, chromosomal rearrangement, or point mutations.
LOH is an important concept in genetic research and cancer studies. It is commonly associated with the development and progression of cancers, as the loss of heterozygosity in tumor suppressor genes or DNA repair genes can lead to the loss of normal cellular control mechanisms. This loss of control can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth, increased risk of mutations, and the formation of tumor cells.
In clinical settings, LOH analysis is utilized to identify and characterize genetic alterations in patients, particularly those with suspected hereditary cancer syndromes or individuals at high risk of developing cancer. By examining specific regions of the genome and assessing for LOH, researchers and healthcare professionals can better understand the underlying genetic factors contributing to disease development, prognosis, and treatment response.
Overall, LOH is a genetic event where one allele of a gene or chromosomal region is lost, often associated with cancer development, and is an essential concept in genetic research and clinical genetics.
