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Altered cJUN expression: an early event in human lung carcinogenesis
E Szabo1, M E Riffe, S M Steinberg
1Biomarkers and Prevention Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA.
Cancer Research
|January 15, 1996
Summary
c-Jun expression is altered early in lung carcinogenesis, appearing in atypical lung tissues and 31% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors. This suggests c-Jun may mediate growth factor signals in NSCLC development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression
Background:
- The c-Jun oncogene is part of the AP-1 transcriptional complex, linked to tumor promotion.
- The specific role of c-Jun in human tumor pathogenesis, particularly lung cancer, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of c-Jun in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To determine the role of c-Jun in the early stages of lung carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed c-Jun expression and function in 110 NSCLC tumors (primary and metastatic), surrounding atypical lung tissues, and 10 NSCLC cell lines.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry for protein expression and assessed mRNA levels, AP-1 DNA binding, and transactivation activity in cell lines.
- Examined the effect of phorbol esters and serum stimulation on c-jun expression in NSCLC cell lines.
Main Results:
- c-Jun was expressed in 31% of NSCLC tumors, without correlation to survival.
- Histologically atypical lung areas frequently showed c-Jun expression, unlike normal lung tissue.
- All 10 NSCLC cell lines exhibited detectable AP-1 functional activity, with serum inducing c-jun expression.
Conclusions:
- c-Jun expression is altered early in human lung carcinogenesis.
- c-Jun may function as a mediator of growth factor signaling in NSCLC.