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Overexpression confers an oncogenic potential upon the eph gene
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Oncogene
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Overexpression of the eph gene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, can lead to NIH3T3 cell transformation and tumorigenic ability. This suggests a role for receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The eph gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase.
- Some human cancers overexpress eph mRNAs without gene amplification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of the eph gene in cell transformation.
- To determine if high-level eph gene expression contributes to tumorigenicity.
Main Methods:
- NIH3T3 cells were engineered for high-level eph gene expression using a viral LTR.
- Tumorigenic ability was assessed in nude mice.
- Colony formation in soft agar was evaluated.
Main Results:
- NIH3T3 cells with high-level eph gene expression acquired tumorigenic ability in nude mice.
- These cells also formed colonies in soft agar, indicating transformation.
- Artificial high-level expression of the eph gene induced neoplastic properties.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of the eph gene can confer tumorigenic properties to NIH3T3 cells.
- This study supports the hypothesis that overexpressed receptor tyrosine kinases contribute to cell transformation and cancer.
- The eph gene is a potential target for cancer research.