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Expression of the c-kit protein in human solid tumors and in corresponding fetal and adult normal tissues
R Matsuda1, T Takahashi, S Nakamura
1Laboratory of Chemotherapy, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
The proto-oncogene c-kit encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that is thought to play an important role in hematopoiesis, spermatogenesis, and melanogenesis. We previously showed that the c-kit messenger RNA is preferentially expressed in small cell lung cancer and that its ligand, stem cell factor, is expressed in a broad spectrum of human cancers. Using anti-c-kit antisera raised against synthetic peptides, in situ localization of the c-kit protein in various human solid tumors as well as in corresponding fetal and adult normal tissues was studied by the ABC method. The results suggest that the c-kit gene products may be involved in the pathogenesis of a very restricted subset of human solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer. Interestingly, nuclear protein immunologically related to c-kit was found in both normal and neoplastic medullary cells of the adrenal gland.
Insights
The proto-oncogene c-kit protein is found in small cell lung cancer, suggesting its role in this cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The proto-oncogene c-kit encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in cell growth and differentiation.
- c-kit messenger RNA is notably expressed in small cell lung cancer.
- Stem cell factor, the ligand for c-kit, is found in various human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in situ localization of the c-kit protein in human solid tumors and normal tissues.
- To determine the potential role of c-kit gene products in the pathogenesis of human solid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized anti-c-kit antisera raised against synthetic peptides.
- Employed the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method for in situ protein localization.
- Examined various human solid tumors alongside corresponding fetal and adult normal tissues.
Main Results:
- c-kit protein was localized in a restricted subset of human solid tumors, notably small cell lung cancer.
- Nuclear protein immunologically related to c-kit was detected in normal and neoplastic adrenal medullary cells.
- c-kit protein expression patterns varied between tumor types and normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- The c-kit gene products may contribute to the pathogenesis of a limited range of human solid tumors, particularly small cell lung cancer.
- The presence of c-kit-related nuclear protein in adrenal medullary cells warrants further investigation.
- c-kit protein localization provides insights into its potential roles in both normal development and cancer.