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Published on: July 6, 2017
Reduced expression level of mgmt mRNA and beta-catenin gene mutation in rat colon tumors
Tatsuya Kinjo1, Masumi Suzui, Takamitsu Morioka
1Tumor Pathology, University of the Ryukyus Faculty of Medicine, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan. k038704@eve.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
Background:
O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair protein and protects DNA from the biological effects of alkylating carcinogens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the mRNA expression level of the Mgmt gene and mutation of the beta-catenin gene in rat colon tumors induced by azoxymethane (AOM) plus dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
Materials And Methods:
Eleven tumor samples from rat colon treated by AOM plus DSS were examined. Mutation of the beta-catenin gene was identified by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. The expression level of Mgmt mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).
Results:
Four out of five adeno-carcinoma samples bearing beta-catenin gene mutation (5 out of 11, 45%) displayed a decrease in expression levels of Mgmt mRNA (p<0.02).
Conclusion:
These results suggest that the reduced expression of Mgmt mRNA and beta-catenin gene mutation may contribute to the development of rat colon tumors.
Insights
Reduced O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) mRNA expression and beta-catenin gene mutations are linked to rat colon tumor development. This suggests a potential role in tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genetics
Background:
- O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a crucial DNA repair protein.
- MGMT protects against DNA damage from alkylating carcinogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between Mgmt gene mRNA expression and beta-catenin gene mutations.
- Examine these factors in azoxymethane (AOM) plus dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced rat colon tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 11 rat colon tumor samples induced by AOM plus DSS.
- Identified beta-catenin gene mutations using PCR-SSCP.
- Quantified Mgmt mRNA expression via RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- 45% (5 out of 11) of tumors showed beta-catenin gene mutations.
- Four out of five tumors with beta-catenin mutations exhibited decreased Mgmt mRNA expression (p<0.02).
Conclusions:
- Reduced Mgmt mRNA expression and beta-catenin gene mutation may contribute to rat colon tumor development.
- These molecular alterations could be key factors in chemical carcinogenesis.
