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[ret gene from a human stomach cancer]
1Section of Bacterial Infection, Institute of Immunological Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
[Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi] the Hokkaido Journal of Medical Science
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers identified novel transforming genes in stomach cancer DNA. One gene, cloned from a stomach cancer cell line, showed structural alterations and was linked to the ret oncogene, suggesting DNA rearrangement activates its transforming potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Context:
- Primary stomach cancer DNA samples were used to investigate genetic alterations driving tumorigenesis.
- NIH3T3 cells were utilized as a host for DNA transfection to identify transforming activities.
Purpose:
- To identify and characterize novel transforming genes in human stomach cancer.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying stomach cancer development through DNA transfection studies.
Summary:
- Five of 15 stomach cancer DNA samples induced transformation in NIH3T3 cells, confirmed by human Alu sequences.
- Initial screening with 22 oncogene probes, including ras family members, did not identify the transforming genes.
- The hst oncogene was identified in some transformants, while another transforming gene from a different sample was cloned and found to be a rearranged form of the ret oncogene, suggesting activation by DNA rearrangement.
Impact:
- Identifies the hst oncogene and a novel, rearranged ret oncogene variant as potential drivers of stomach cancer.
- Highlights the role of DNA rearrangement in activating oncogenes and contributing to cancer development.
- Suggests the involvement of other, yet unidentified, transforming genes in stomach cancer progression.