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Decrease in the expression of a novel TGF beta1-inducible and ras-recision gene, TSC-36, in human cancer cells
J Mashimo1, R Maniwa, H Sugino
1Department of Microbiology, Showa University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
TSC-36, a TGF beta1-inducible gene, encodes a polypeptide that shows significant similarity to SPARC (secreted protein rich in cysteine), and follistatin, an activin-binding protein. The expression of the TSC-36 gene was reported to be extinguished in v-ras-transformed mouse fibroblastic cells, and also was found also to be abrogated in cells transformed with v-myc. The level of expression was, however, not affected in cells transformed with v-src, v-abl, or v-raf. The TSC-36 cDNA was first isolated from mouse cells, and recently its rat and human homologues have been reported which show striking similarity with each other. In various human tumor cells, TSC-36 mRNA was almost undetectable. TSC-36 mRNA was detected in various mouse organs, but its level was the highest in the lung. TSC-36 mRNA level was the highest in the lung among mouse organs, and on in situ hybridization, the TSC-36 transcript was detected in the alveolar epithelium but not in the bronchial epithelium. These features suggest possible usage of TSC-36 as one of the markers in human tumors.
Insights
The TSC-36 gene, similar to SPARC and follistatin, is downregulated in certain cancer cells. Its high expression in mouse lungs suggests potential as a human tumor marker.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- TSC-36 is a TGF beta1-inducible gene encoding a protein similar to SPARC and follistatin.
- TSC-36 gene expression is lost in v-ras and v-myc transformed cells, but unaffected by v-src, v-abl, or v-raf.
- Homologues of TSC-36 found in rats and humans exhibit high similarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of TSC-36 in various cell types and organs.
- To evaluate the potential of TSC-36 as a biomarker for human tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of TSC-36 gene expression in transformed mouse fibroblastic cells.
- Detection of TSC-36 mRNA in human tumor cells and various mouse organs.
- In situ hybridization to determine the location of TSC-36 transcripts in mouse lung.
Main Results:
- TSC-36 mRNA was undetectable in various human tumor cells.
- Highest TSC-36 mRNA levels were observed in mouse lungs, specifically in alveolar epithelium.
- Expression was abrogated in v-ras and v-myc transformed cells, but not in v-src, v-abl, or v-raf transformed cells.
Conclusions:
- TSC-36 expression is significantly altered in specific cellular transformations.
- The distinct expression profile of TSC-36 in the lung and its absence in human tumors suggest its potential utility as a diagnostic marker.