Lack of mutation at codon 12 of the C-h-ras oncogene in 51 human sarcomas assessed by PCR-rflp

Mutations of the ras genes in codons 12, 13 or 61 make them oncogenic. There are several methods to determine the point mutations in the ras family. In an attempt to do so in a sensitive and time saving manner we have checked a total of 51 sarcomas (14 bone tumors and 37 soft tissue tumors) for mutations in codon 12 of the c-H-ras oncogene. First we amplified a 100 bp fragment covering this codon and then performed RFLP analysis after digestion with restriction endonuclease Msp I. We did not find mutations in any of the tumors. Our results, may reinforce previous data on the fact that ras genes do not play an important role in tumorigenesis of sarcomas.