ERG

Background

ERG (ETS-related gene) is a proto-oncogene and a member of the ETS (erythroblast transformation-specific) family of transcription factors. Genes in the ETS family regulate embryonic development, cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis. ERG is expressed in vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells and bone marrow stem cells. Almost all benign and malignant vascular tumors express ERG. ERG is also closely related to the invasiveness and prognosis of prostate cancer, and shows a high specificity for detecting prostatic adenocarcinoma, with a sensitivity of about 50%.