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Proto-oncogene analyses in brain tumors
M Fujimoto1, P J Sheridan, Z D Sharp
1Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|June 1, 1989
Summary
This study investigated oncogene amplification and messenger RNA (mRNA) accumulation in human brain tumors. Findings suggest oncogene involvement in tumor aggressiveness and potential as malignancy indicators.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human brain tumors of neuroectodermal origin exhibit diverse genetic alterations.
- Oncogene amplification and aberrant mRNA expression are implicated in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify amplified oncogenes (N-myc, c-myc, v-sis, v-fos) and accumulated mRNAs in primary human brain tumors.
- To correlate oncogene status with tumor type and malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 10 primary human brain tumors including glioblastomas, astrocytomas, ependymoma, ganglioglioma, and medulloblastoma.
- Utilized RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid blot hybridization techniques to determine gene copy number and polyadenylated (poly(A)+) RNA levels.
- Employed specific gene probes for N-myc, c-myc, v-sis, and v-fos.
Main Results:
- N-myc and v-sis gene amplifications (80 and 3-4 copies, respectively) correlated with strong mRNA hybridization in a recurrent glioblastoma.
- c-myc mRNA showed strong hybridization in a medulloblastoma without gene amplification.
- Tumor types analyzed included glioblastoma multiforme, mixed glioma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, ganglioglioma, and medulloblastoma.
Conclusions:
- Amplification or abundant mRNA accumulation of specific oncogenes may contribute to tumorigenesis and aggressiveness in neuroectodermal brain tumors.
- These molecular alterations could serve as indicators of a highly malignant tumor state.