[FHIT--tumor suppressor protein involved in induction of apoptosis and cell cycle regulation].

The fragile histidine triad (Fhit) protein is a diadenosine triphosphate hydrolase belonging to the histidine triad family of nucleotide-binding proteins. Fhit is a tumor suppressor protein which plays an important role in pro-apoptotic signalling, cell cycle control and sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. The Ap3A--hydrolase activity of Fhit is not required for exertion of its tumor suppressor function. The FHIT gene is located in FRA3B region--the most common fragile site in the human genome. Loss of FHIT is observed in a variety of tumors and in premalignant states. Re-expression of FHIT in human cancer cells leads to inhibition of tumorogenecity and restoration of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Viral-mediated FHIT gene therapy induces apoptosis and suppresses tumors in preclinical models. Therefore, treatment with the FHIT gene may constitute a novel clinical approach for gene therapy of human cancers.