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An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 29, 2010
Expression of MAGE-1, MAGE-2, MAGE-3/-6 and MAGE-4a/-4b genes in ovarian tumors
A Yamada1, A Kataoka, S Shichijo
1Department of Immunology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
MAGE genes encoding tumor-rejection antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes are expressed at the mRNA level in various malignant tumors. We have investigated the expression of genes MAGE-1, -2, -3/-6 and -4a/-4b at the mRNA level in malignant and non-malignant ovarian tumors as well as in normal ovaries by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MAGE-1, -2, -3/-6 and -4a/-4b were expressed in 12, 5, 11 and 4 of 58 malignant tumors, respectively. The majority of these MAGE-mRNA-positive tumors were histologically surface-epithelial-stromal tumors, in particular serous adenocarcinomas. They mostly consisted of either advanced-stage or recurrent tumors. In contrast, neither benign tumors nor normal ovaries expressed any of the MAGE genes investigated. A 46-kDa MAGE-1 protein was identified in MAGE-1-mRNA-positive serous adenocarcinomas by immunoblot analysis with polyclonal anti-MAGE-1 antibody. These results provide important information for specific immunotherapy of ovarian serous adenocarcinomas with MAGE gene products.
Insights
MAGE gene expression was investigated in ovarian tumors. These genes were found in malignant tumors, particularly serous adenocarcinomas, but not in normal or benign ovarian tissues, suggesting potential for targeted immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Melanoma Antigen Genes (MAGE) encode tumor antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
- MAGE gene expression is observed in various malignant tumors at the mRNA level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of MAGE-1, -2, -3/-6, and -4a/-4b genes in ovarian tumors.
- To determine if MAGE gene expression correlates with specific ovarian tumor types or stages.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect MAGE gene mRNA.
- Immunoblot analysis was performed to identify MAGE-1 protein.
Main Results:
- MAGE-1, -2, -3/-6, and -4a/-4b mRNA were detected in 12, 5, 11, and 4 out of 58 malignant ovarian tumors, respectively.
- Expression was predominantly found in surface-epithelial-stromal tumors, especially serous adenocarcinomas, often in advanced or recurrent stages.
- No MAGE gene expression was observed in benign ovarian tumors or normal ovaries.
- A 46-kDa MAGE-1 protein was identified in MAGE-1 mRNA-positive serous adenocarcinomas.
Conclusions:
- MAGE gene products are potential targets for specific immunotherapy in ovarian serous adenocarcinomas.
- The absence of MAGE expression in normal and benign tissues supports their tumor-specific nature.
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