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Overexpression of c-erbB-3 in various stages of human squamous cell carcinomas
T Funayama1, T Nakanishi, K Takahashi
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery II, Okayama University Dental School, Japan.
Abstract:
Amplification of the c-erbB-3 gene and the expression of its mRNA and protein in human squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were analyzed. Although no amplification of the c-erbB-3 gene was observed, overexpression of its mRNA was observed in SCC by RT-PCR. The expression of this gene in SCC was 15-50 times higher than in normal fibroblasts. Overexpression of the secreted type of erbB-3 mRNA was also observed in all SCC. Moreover, overproduction of the c-erbB-3 protein was also detected in SCC by dot blot analysis using anti-c-erbB-3 monoclonal antibodies. In nude mice, the expression of c-erbB-3 mRNA was higher in metastatic tumors compared with primary tumors. These results suggest that both the transmembrane and secreted types of c-erbB-3 play a significant role in the formation and development of SCC.
Insights
Overexpression of c-erbB-3 mRNA and protein was found in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), suggesting a significant role in SCC development. This was observed in both transmembrane and secreted forms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer.
- The role of c-erbB-3 in SCC development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze c-erbB-3 gene amplification and expression in human squamous cell carcinomas.
- To investigate the role of both transmembrane and secreted forms of c-erbB-3 in SCC.
Main Methods:
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for mRNA analysis.
- Dot blot analysis using anti-c-erbB-3 monoclonal antibodies for protein detection.
- Comparison of expression levels in SCC versus normal fibroblasts and in primary versus metastatic tumors in nude mice.
Main Results:
- No amplification of the c-erbB-3 gene was observed in SCC.
- Overexpression of c-erbB-3 mRNA (15-50 times higher than normal fibroblasts) and protein was detected in SCC.
- Overexpression of secreted erbB-3 mRNA was observed in all SCC.
- Higher c-erbB-3 mRNA expression was found in metastatic tumors compared to primary tumors in nude mice.
Conclusions:
- Both transmembrane and secreted forms of c-erbB-3 are overexpressed in SCC.
- These findings suggest a significant role for c-erbB-3 in the formation and progression of squamous cell carcinomas.
- c-erbB-3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for SCC.