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The erbB-3 gene in human pancreatic cancer
N R Lemoine1, M Lobresco, H Leung
1Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Hammersmith Hospital, London, U.K.
Abstract:
Abnormalities of the type 1 growth factor receptor family have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. There is evidence for a potential autocrine loop involving overexpression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its ligands, as well as overexpression of the erbB-2 receptor. A third member of this receptor family, erbB-3, has recently been recognized and found to be abnormally expressed in some types of human cancer. In this study we show that overexpression of the erbB-3 protein occurs very frequently in carcinoma of the exocrine pancreas and also in chronic pancreatitis. We found no evidence of amplification or rearrangement of the erbB-3 gene by Southern blot analysis of DNA from pancreatic cancer cells lines.
Insights
Overexpression of the erbB-3 protein is frequent in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. This suggests erbB-3 may play a role in pancreatic diseases, though its gene shows no amplification or rearrangement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The type 1 growth factor receptor family is implicated in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.
- Overexpression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, its ligands, and erbB-2 suggests an autocrine loop.
- erbB-3, a newly recognized member, shows abnormal expression in various human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and genetic status of erbB-3 in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.
- To determine if erbB-3 overexpression is a frequent event in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Protein expression analysis of erbB-3 in pancreatic tissues.
- Southern blot analysis of erbB-3 gene in pancreatic cancer cell lines to detect amplification or rearrangement.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of the erbB-3 protein was observed very frequently in carcinoma of the exocrine pancreas.
- Elevated erbB-3 protein levels were also found in chronic pancreatitis.
- No evidence of erbB-3 gene amplification or rearrangement was detected in pancreatic cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- erbB-3 protein overexpression is a common finding in both pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.
- The study suggests a potential role for erbB-3 in the pathogenesis of these pancreatic conditions.
- Genetic alterations (amplification/rearrangement) of the erbB-3 gene do not appear to drive its overexpression in pancreatic cancer.