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Altered expression of RET proto-oncogene product in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer

D M Dawson1, E G Lawrence, G T MacLennan

  • 1Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|April 16, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The RET proto-oncogene is overexpressed in prostate cancer, particularly in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and advanced tumors. This suggests RET may play a role in both benign and cancerous prostate cell growth.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The RET proto-oncogene encodes a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor.
  • RET mutations are linked to MEN syndromes, and rearrangements to papillary thyroid cancer.
  • RET transcripts were previously identified in prostate cancer models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Ret protein expression in human prostate tissue.
  • To determine the role of RET in prostate cancer development and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate Ret protein expression.
  • Prostate tissue from 30 radical prostatectomy patients was analyzed.
  • Ret expression was compared between tumor foci and benign tissue, with thyroid cancer as controls.

Main Results:

  • Ret protein was overexpressed in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer compared to benign epithelium.
  • Ret expression increased with decreasing cellular differentiation (higher Gleason pattern).

Conclusions:

  • RET proto-oncogene expression occurs in benign prostatic epithelium, high-grade PIN, and advanced prostate cancer.
  • RET may contribute to the growth of both benign and neoplastic prostate epithelial cells.

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