Related Experiment Videos
Expression of the human fes cellular oncogene in renal cell tumors
Abstract:
Renal cell tumors were screened for expression of the cellular oncogenes c-abl, c-fes, c-fms, c-myc, c-ras, and c-sis in dot blot hybridization analysis. Expression of c-ras and c-myc was clearly detectable in most of the 15 tumors that were studied. The c-fes oncogene appeared to be expressed in only two of them. Comparative Southern blot analysis of molecularly cloned human c-fes DNA and genomic DNA of the 15 renal tumors revealed no major genetic differences. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)-selected RNA from the fes-positive tumors with the complete viral v-fes oncogene of the Gardner-Arnstein strain of feline sarcoma virus as a molecular probe revealed hybridization of RNA species of 3.0 and 4.5 kb, respectively. The 3.0 kb c-fes transcript has also been reported in RNA from patients suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia. The 4.5 kb transcript, however, has not been described before and represents either a c-fes-related splicing intermediate or, more likely, a completely processed transcript. The results of this study could imply that human c-fes coding sequences are more extensive than was previously assumed.
Insights
Researchers investigated cellular oncogene expression in renal cell tumors. They found c-fes oncogene transcripts, including a novel 4.5 kb species, suggesting extended human c-fes coding sequences.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cellular oncogenes play a role in tumorigenesis.
- Specific oncogene expression patterns in renal cell tumors are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen renal cell tumors for the expression of several cellular oncogenes.
- To investigate the expression and potential genetic alterations of the c-fes oncogene in these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Dot blot hybridization was used to screen for oncogene expression.
- Southern blot analysis examined genomic DNA for genetic differences.
- Northern blot analysis identified and characterized c-fes transcripts.
Main Results:
- c-ras and c-myc oncogenes were expressed in most tumors.
- The c-fes oncogene was detected in two tumors.
- Two c-fes transcripts (3.0 kb and a novel 4.5 kb) were identified in fes-positive tumors.
Conclusions:
- Human c-fes oncogene expression is detectable in renal cell tumors.
- A novel 4.5 kb c-fes transcript suggests more extensive human c-fes coding sequences than previously known.
- These findings contribute to understanding oncogene roles in renal cell carcinoma.