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ras gene mutations in human endometrial carcinoma
M N Varras1, M Koffa, E Koumantakis
1Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Oncology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Ras oncogene mutations are present in a subset of endometrial carcinomas, with K-ras and H-ras mutations detected. These genetic alterations showed limited correlation with patient outcomes or clinicopathological factors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Endometrial carcinoma is a common gynecologic malignancy.
- Ras oncogenes play a role in various cancers.
- The specific involvement of ras gene mutations in Greek endometrial carcinoma patients requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of ras oncogene activation by point mutations in endometrial carcinoma.
- To analyze mutations in K-ras, H-ras, and N-ras genes.
- To explore the correlation between ras gene mutations and clinicopathological parameters or patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was employed to detect point mutations.
- Mutations were identified in codon 12 of K-ras, H-ras, and N-ras genes in 55 primary endometrial carcinoma cases.
Main Results:
- K-ras gene point mutations were found in 15% (8/55) of cases.
- H-ras gene point mutations were detected in 7.3% (4/55) of cases.
- No N-ras gene mutations were observed.
- H-ras mutations showed an association with the FIGO stage (p = 0.011).
Conclusions:
- Ras gene activation by point mutations occurs in a small subset of endometrial carcinomas.
- Mutations in K-ras and H-ras genes are present in this patient population.
- Ras gene mutations did not correlate with clinicopathological parameters or survival, except for H-ras and FIGO stage.