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Updated: Sep 23, 2026
Multi-Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection in Gastric Cancer Based on Ion Semiconductor Sequencing Platform
Published on: May 10, 2024
Absence of beta-tubulin gene mutation in gastric carcinoma
Naomi Urano1, Yoshiyuki Fujiwara, Seiichi Hasegawa
1Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka (E-2), Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Background:
Effective chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer is yet to be established. Taxanes, novel anticancer drugs which bind to beta-tubulin and prevent disruption of microtubules, are newly approved and promising agents for advanced and recurrent gastric cancer. To predict the chemoresistance to a taxan in gastric cancer, we examined the genetic mutations of the beta-tubulin gene.
Methods:
Fifty pairs of gastric tumor and normal mucosa tissues were obtained from operations and the genomic DNA was extracted from each specimen. The four exons of the beta-tubulin gene were amplified for DNA mutations by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) methods and sequencing analysis.
Results:
Nine (18%) of 50 patients with gastric cancer had two kinds of silent variations of the beta-tubulin gene in exon 4. Three kinds of intronic variations were detected in exons 1, 2, and 3. However, no genetic alterations that would change the beta-tubulin protein structure were detected in any of the 50 gastric tumors.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that mutations of the beta-tubulin gene, which might be a contraindication for chemotherapy based on taxans, were very rare events in gastric cancer.
Insights
Genetic mutations in the beta-tubulin gene are rare in gastric cancer, suggesting taxane chemotherapy resistance is uncommon. This study investigated beta-tubulin gene variations to predict chemoresistance in advanced gastric cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Advanced gastric cancer treatment remains challenging.
- Taxanes show promise for advanced and recurrent gastric cancer.
- Predicting taxane chemoresistance is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic mutations in the beta-tubulin gene in gastric cancer.
- To assess the frequency of beta-tubulin gene alterations.
- To correlate these mutations with potential taxane chemoresistance.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 50 pairs of gastric tumor and normal mucosa tissues.
- Extracted genomic DNA and amplified four exons of the beta-tubulin gene.
- Utilized single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified silent variations in exon 4 (18% of patients).
- Detected intronic variations in exons 1, 2, and 3.
- Found no mutations altering beta-tubulin protein structure in any tumors.
Conclusions:
- Mutations in the beta-tubulin gene are rare in gastric cancer.
- These mutations, potentially indicating taxane chemoresistance, were not observed.
- Findings suggest taxane-based chemotherapy is likely effective for most gastric cancer patients.
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