Mutant Allele Imbalance in Cancer

The search for somatic mutations that drive the initiation and progression of human tumors has dominated recent cancer research. While much emphasis been placed on characterizing prevalence function driver mutations, comparatively less is known about their serial genetic evolution. Indeed, study this phenomenon largely focused tumor-suppressor genes recessive at cellular level or mechanisms resistance in with mutant oncogenes targeted by therapy. There is, however, a growing appreciation despite decades-old presumption heterozygosity, changes oncogene zygosity are common dosage stoichiometry lead to selective growth advantages. Here, we review progress understanding allele imbalance its implications tumor biology, evolution, response anticancer