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Molecular organization of oncogenes and potentially oncogenic regulatory genes in primary human brain tumors
V M Fazio1, P A Oppido, R Delfini
1Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Italy.
Abstract:
We review here results obtained from a wide screening of 72 primary human brain tumors, in order to investigate the molecular organization of proto-oncogenes and potentially oncogenic genes. We demonstrated alterations in the restriction pattern of c-sis oncogene in 1 anaplastic astrocytoma and in 1 endotheliomatous meningioma, and amplifications of c-myc oncogene in 2 endotheliomatous meningiomas. In the same screening of primary brain tumors, we have recently published evidences for a specific alteration in the restriction pattern of estrogen receptor gene sequences which code for the DNA binding domain of the protein. These results, although preliminary and not still sufficient for a conclusive determination of the role in brain tumor growth and/or development, provided evidences of relatively frequent molecular alterations of genes involved in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Insights
This study investigated molecular alterations in human brain tumors, finding changes in proto-oncogenes like c-sis and c-myc, and the estrogen receptor gene. These genetic changes suggest frequent molecular alterations in genes controlling cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Proto-oncogenes and oncogenic genes play critical roles in cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Alterations in these genes are implicated in the development of various cancers, including brain tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular organization of proto-oncogenes and potentially oncogenic genes in primary human brain tumors.
- To identify specific genetic alterations associated with brain tumor development.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 72 primary human brain tumors.
- Analysis of restriction patterns for specific oncogenes (c-sis, c-myc) and the estrogen receptor gene.
Main Results:
- Alterations in the c-sis oncogene restriction pattern were observed in one anaplastic astrocytoma and one endotheliomatous meningioma.
- Amplifications of the c-myc oncogene were found in two endotheliomatous meningiomas.
- Specific alterations in estrogen receptor gene sequences were identified.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings indicate relatively frequent molecular alterations in genes controlling cell proliferation and differentiation in brain tumors.
- Further research is needed to conclusively determine the role of these genetic alterations in brain tumor growth and development.