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Human ERG is a proto-oncogene with mitogenic and transforming activity
A H Hart1, C M Corrick, M J Tymms
1Molecular Embryology and Birth Defects Laboratory, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Victoria, Australia.
Oncogene
|April 6, 1995
Summary
The ETS related gene (ERG) acts as a proto-oncogene. Overexpression of ERG transforms NIH3T3 cells, leading to altered morphology, growth factor independence, and tumor formation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- The ERG gene is part of the ETS family of transcription factors.
- ERG rearrangements are implicated in Ewings sarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia.
- Previous studies suggest ERG-related genes have transforming activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oncogenic potential of ERG.
- To determine the effects of ERG overexpression on cell proliferation, factor dependence, and tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Constructed an ERG expression vector (sMTERG) using human ERG2 cDNA.
- Transfected NIH3T3 cells and established clonal cell lines overexpressing ERG.
- Assessed cell proliferation, growth in low serum/serum-free media, soft agar colony formation, and tumor growth in nude mice.
Main Results:
- NIH3T3 cells overexpressing ERG exhibited morphological changes.
- These cells demonstrated growth factor independence and formed colonies in soft agar.
- Subcutaneous injection of ERG-overexpressing clones resulted in solid tumor formation in nude mice.
Conclusions:
- c-ERG functions as a proto-oncogene capable of transforming NIH3T3 cells.
- Overexpression or aberrant expression of ERG may play a role in oncogenesis.