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DCC genetic alterations and expression in endometrial carcinoma
B M Ronnett1, R T Burks, K R Cho
1Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2196, USA.
Summary
The Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (DCC) gene, a tumor suppressor, shows alterations and loss of protein expression in endometrial carcinomas, suggesting its role in the disease's development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (DCC) gene is a candidate tumor suppressor on chromosome 18q.
- Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 18q is common in colorectal cancer and observed in endometrial cancer.
- DCC's potential role in endometrial carcinoma pathogenesis warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DCC gene alterations (LOH, microsatellite instability) in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.
- To evaluate DCC protein expression in normal, hyperplastic, and cancerous endometrial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DCC LOH and AT microsatellite repeat alterations in 26 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma cases.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of DCC protein expression in endometrial tissues.
Main Results:
- DCC LOH was detected in 4% of cases; AT repeat alterations in 19%.
- Overall genetic alterations (LOH or AT repeat) occurred in 23% of cases.
- DCC protein was expressed in normal and hyperplastic endometria but lost in all five evaluated endometrial carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- Genetic alterations in the DCC gene are not uncommon in endometrial carcinomas.
- Loss of DCC protein expression in endometrial carcinomas suggests gene inactivation.
- DCC gene inactivation may contribute to endometrial carcinoma development.