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Differentially expressed genes in head and neck cancer
S Gottschlich1, B J Folz, B M Lippert
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany.
The Laryngoscope
|May 20, 1998
Summary
This study used differential display to identify genetic changes in head and neck cancer. Researchers found altered gene expression, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), potentially impacting cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Carcinogenesis is a complex, multistep process involving genetic alterations.
- Understanding gene expression changes in head and neck carcinoma is crucial for elucidating cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed genes in head and neck carcinoma cells compared to normal keratinocytes using the differential display method.
- To investigate the potential roles of identified genetic changes in head and neck cancer carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Differential display technique applied to RNA from cultured squamous carcinoma cells and normal keratinocytes.
- Reverse transcription of mRNA to cDNA, followed by PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis.
- Cloning, sequencing, and database searching of differentially expressed DNA fragments, confirmed by Northern blot analysis.
Main Results:
- Three DNA transcripts (191-336 bp) showed differential expression between carcinoma cells and keratinocytes.
- One fragment identified as an unknown gene in carcinoma cells.
- Another fragment in keratinocytes showed homology to human cell attachment domains, and a third to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA.
Conclusions:
- Differential display confirmed overexpression of EGFR in head and neck cancer.
- Altered expression of the cell attachment domain may act as a cofactor in head and neck cancer.
- The role of the identified unknown gene fragment in carcinogenesis requires further investigation.