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MET oncogene aberrant expression in canine osteosarcoma
R Ferracini1, P Angelini, E Cagliero
1Divisione di Ortopedia, Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I, Institute for Cancer Research, Torino, Italy. RFerracini@ircc.unito.it
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the MET oncogene in canine osteosarcoma. Seven large-breed dogs affected by spontaneous skeletal osteosarcoma underwent en bloc tumor excision. Total RNA was extracted from frozen tumor samples and assessed for expression of the MET oncogene by Northern blot analysis. Five of seven biopsy samples expressed high levels of the MET oncogene; its expression in the primary tumors was comparable with that previously identified in primary osteosarcomas in humans. A lung metastasis from one of the dogs expressed MET at a higher level than did its primary tumor. Spontaneously arising osteosarcoma in dogs clinically and pathologically mimics the corresponding disease in humans. We previously demonstrated that the MET oncogene was aberrantly expressed in a high percentage of human osteosarcomas. The results of the current study also provide a molecular parallel between the tumors in dogs and humans. This in vivo model may be helpful in evaluating new strategies for therapy against osteosarcoma.
Insights
The MET oncogene is highly expressed in canine osteosarcoma, mirroring human tumors. This finding supports using canine osteosarcoma as a model for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Osteosarcoma is a common bone cancer in large-breed dogs and humans.
- The MET oncogene plays a role in various human cancers.
- Canine osteosarcoma shares clinical and pathological similarities with human osteosarcoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and role of the MET oncogene in canine osteosarcoma.
- To determine if canine osteosarcoma serves as a relevant model for human osteosarcoma research.
Main Methods:
- Tumor samples were collected from seven large-breed dogs with spontaneous osteosarcoma.
- Total RNA was extracted from tumor tissues.
- MET oncogene expression was assessed using Northern blot analysis.
Main Results:
- Five out of seven canine osteosarcoma samples showed high MET oncogene expression.
- MET expression levels in canine tumors were comparable to those found in human osteosarcomas.
- A lung metastasis exhibited higher MET expression than its primary tumor.
Conclusions:
- The MET oncogene is aberrantly expressed in canine osteosarcoma.
- Canine osteosarcoma presents a valuable in vivo model for studying MET's role in osteosarcoma.
- This model can aid in evaluating novel therapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma.