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Alterations of the DR5/TRAIL receptor 2 gene in non-small cell lung cancers

S H Lee1, M S Shin, H S Kim

  • 1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul.

Cancer Research
|December 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Mutations in the TRAIL-R2 gene were found in 10.6% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors. This suggests the TRAIL-R2 gene may contribute to NSCLC development and the frequent chromosome 8p21-22 deletions observed in this cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Chromosome 8p21-22 deletions are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) is a cell-surface receptor crucial for apoptosis signaling.
  • The TRAIL-R2 gene is located on chromosome 8p21-22.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the TRAIL-R2 gene is implicated in the 8p21-22 deletions frequently observed in NSCLC.
  • To identify somatic mutations within the TRAIL-R2 gene in NSCLC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the entire coding region and splice sites of the TRAIL-R2 gene.
  • Somatic mutation detection in a cohort of 104 NSCLC samples.

Main Results:

  • Somatic mutations in the TRAIL-R2 gene were detected in 11 out of 104 (10.6%) NSCLC tumors.
  • Mutations were primarily located within the death domain of the TRAIL-R2 gene, essential for apoptotic signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Somatic mutations of the TRAIL-R2 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain NSCLCs.
  • The TRAIL-R2 gene is identified as a relevant gene associated with the frequent loss of chromosome 8p21-22 in NSCLC.

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