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[Expression and loss of heterozygosity of DCC gene in human lung cancer]
1National Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing.
Abstract:
The level of DCC mRNA expression was evaluated in tissue specimens from lung cancer patients by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) combined with Southern blot analysis. Obvious reduction of DCC gene expression was observed in 4 of 7 specimens (55%). In two specimens DCC transcript could only be detected after Southern blot hybridization of RT-PCR product. The average level of DCC expression in cancer tissue was about 45% of normal tissue as estimated by laser densitometer. We also studied DNA samples for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at DCC locus at two polymorphic sites. Among the 15 specimens including 7 samples for RT-PCR, 9 (60%) were informative at either of two polymorphic sites. LOH was observed in 5 (55%). Two at the MspI-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) site and 3 at the site of VNTR (variable number of tandem repeat). These results suggest that allele loss and decreased expression of DCC gene are frequent events and the possible involvement of DCC gene in the pathogenesis of human lung cancer.
Insights
Reduced DCC gene expression and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) are frequent in lung cancer. These findings suggest the DCC gene
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Context:
- DCC gene is a known tumor suppressor.
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death.
- Understanding genetic alterations in lung cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression levels of DCC mRNA in lung cancer tissues.
- To assess the frequency of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the DCC locus in lung cancer patients.
Summary:
- Reduced DCC mRNA expression was observed in 55% of lung cancer specimens.
- The average DCC expression in cancer tissue was 45% of normal tissue.
- LOH at the DCC locus was found in 55% of informative specimens, with alterations at both MspI-RFLP and VNTR sites.
Impact:
- These findings indicate that DCC gene alterations (both decreased expression and LOH) are common in human lung cancer.
- The study suggests a potential role for the DCC gene in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
- Further research into DCC's function could lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.