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Isolating Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and CD4+ T cells from Sézary Syndrome Patients for Transcriptomic Profiling
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Additional Her 2/neu gene copies in patients with Sézary syndrome

Jochen Utikal1, Nina Poenitz, Alexei Gratchev

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. Jochen.Utikal@haut.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Leukemia Research
|November 24, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Her 2/neu gene amplification was investigated in Sézary syndrome. The study found additional Her 2/neu gene copies in most patients, suggesting it may be a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Her 2/neu gene amplification is implicated in various cancers.
  • Monoclonal antibodies targeting Her 2/neu are utilized in treating metastatic breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To ascertain the frequency of additional Her 2/neu gene copies relative to chromosome 17 centromeres in Sézary syndrome patients.
  • To explore the potential role of Her 2/neu in Sézary syndrome pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to analyze Her 2/neu gene locus and chromosome 17 centromeres in peripheral blood cells.
  • Immunostaining assessed Her 2/neu protein expression.
  • FISH was also used to examine lymphocyte distribution in skin sections.

Main Results:

  • Seven out of nine Sézary syndrome patients exhibited additional Her 2/neu gene copies.
  • Her 2/neu protein expression was observed in 4/5 cases with additional gene copies.
  • Atypical lymphocytes with amplified Her 2/neu were identified in the skin of affected patients.

Conclusions:

  • Her 2/neu gene amplification appears to be involved in Sézary syndrome.
  • Her 2/neu represents a potential therapeutic target for a subset of Sézary syndrome patients.

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