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INT-2 gene amplification in differentiated human thyroid cancer
K M Schulte1, D Niederacher, H X An
1Department of General Surgery, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Summary
INT-2 gene amplification is uncommon in differentiated thyroid cancer, occurring in 12% of follicular and 7% of papillary carcinomas. This low-grade amplification does not appear to be a significant prognostic marker in these thyroid cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oncogene amplification is common in epithelial tumors and linked to advanced progression.
- It can provide prognostic information in various neoplasias.
- The prevalence and prognostic value of INT-2 gene amplification in thyroid cancer were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of INT-2 gene amplification in human differentiated thyroid cancer.
- To evaluate the potential of INT-2 amplification as a prognostic marker in thyroid cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Differential quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent DNA sequencing were used.
- Archival carcinoma specimens from 63 differentiated thyroid cancer patients and 12 goiters were analyzed.
- INT-2 gene and gamma-interferon gene sequences were amplified and quantified simultaneously.
Main Results:
- INT-2 amplification was detected in 12% of follicular and 7% of papillary thyroid carcinomas.
- No amplification was observed in goiter tissue.
- Positive cases showed only 2-4 fold amplification, indicating low-grade amplification.
Conclusions:
- INT-2 gene amplification is infrequent in differentiated thyroid cancer.
- Low-grade INT-2 amplification is not a significant prognostic marker in this patient group.
- Further research may be needed to explore other oncogenes in thyroid cancer prognosis.