A STUDY OF C-MYC ONCOGENE EXPRESSION AND AMPLIFICATION IN COLORECTAL CANCER

Expression of c-myc oncogene transcripts in colorectal neoplasia was studied in paraffin embedded tissue sections from 25 patients undergoing surgery and from the rectal carcinoma cell line HR-8348 by using in situ hybridization,and its amplification was investigated in tumor and normal mucosa tissue from 25 coloproctomy samples by slot blot hybridization. Overexpression of this gene was seen in 78% (7/9) of the benign adenomas and 91% (20/22) of the malignancies sampled. There was no significant correlation between overexpression and the histologic type or grade, and no significant relationship between the level of expression and clinical stage was found, although overexpression was apparently more common in tumors with metastasis. Amplification of the gene was found in 0 of 4 benign adenomas and 7 of 22 malignancies. No obvious correlation was found between amplification and histological type or grade, though amplification was more frequent in tumors with metastasis. Amplification was also found in 2 adenomas with malignant change. The results suggest that multiple factors are involved in the progression of colorectal cancer , and in situ hybridization with a nonradiolabeled probe is useful in the detection of gene expression.

Expressions of oncogenes c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:To explore the expressions of c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC).Methods:Using retrospective analysis.73 cases of CSCC were selected from Department of Dermatology,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University.which were removed between January 2000 and January 2012.It was considered as experimental group.Meanwhile.11 cases of normal skin specimens of non tumor patients were selected as control group.The expression level of c-fos and c-myc was compared in the two groups.Results:The expressions of c-fos[72.60%(53/73)]and c-myc[83.56%(61/73)]in experimental group were statistically significant(P≤0.05)compared with control group(0%).Expression of c-myc protein was negatively related to differentiation of CSCC.The difference was statistically significant(X^2=7.26.P=0.001<0.05).While expression of c-fos protein was positively related to differentiation of CSCC.which was statistically significant(X^2=7.47,P=0.0012<0.025).Conclusions:The expression level of c-fos and c-myc can be used as an importan indicator of CSCC differentiation,and it has closely connection with the differentiated degree,which can guide clinical prognosis.

Tanshinone ⅡA improves Alzheimer’s disease via RNA nuclearenriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

BACKGROUND Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Tanshinone ⅡA(Tan-ⅡA),a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants,has shown potential neuroprotective effects;however,the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear.AIM To investigate potential Tan-ⅡA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology.To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation,we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting.Additionally,the effect of Tan-ⅡA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)/microRNA(miRNA,miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS In vivo,Tan-ⅡA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice.In vitro experiments showed that Tan-ⅡA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.In this process,the lncRNA NEAT1-a potential therapeutic target-is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-ⅡA treatment.Mechanistically,NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p,which activates nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling,leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein,which exacerbates AD.Tan-ⅡA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that Tan-ⅡA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway,serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

THE EXPRESSIONS OF HBV X GENE AND ets-2, IGF-Ⅰ, c-myc AND N-ras ONCOGENES IN HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AND TUMOR-ADJACENT TISSUES

The expressions of HBV X gene and ets-2, IGF-I, c-myc and N-ras were studied in 7 pairs of human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) and tumor-adjacent tissues, using RNA hybridization and im-munoblot methods. The results showed that specific 17 and 28 kD HBV X gene products (HBxAg) were existed in a portion of PHC and tumor-adjacent tissues. The 17 kD HBxAg was detected in the sera of 3 patients who also had 17 kD HBxAg in their liver tissues. Multiple expressions of oncogenes such as ets-2, c-myc and N-ras were observed in PHC and tumor-adjacent tissues that had HBxAg expressed, indicating HBxAg might function as a transactivator in the course of intracellular proto-oncogene activation. It is also observed that in some tumor-adjacnet tissues the expressions of ets-2, c-myc and N-ras were higher than those in corresponding PHC. The relationship of HBxAg to the expression of est-2, IGF-Ⅱ, c-myc and their possible roles in the carcinogenesis of PHC are discussed.

The role of tazarotene-induced gene 1 in carcinogenesis:is it a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene?

Tazarotene-induced gene 1(TIG1)is induced by a derivative of vitamin A and is known to regulate many important biological processes and control the development of cancer.TIG1 is widely expressed in various tissues;yet in many cancer tissues,it is not expressed because of the methylation of its promoter.Additionally,the expression of TIG1 in cancer cells inhibits their growth and invasion,suggesting that TIG1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene.However,in some cancers,poor prognosis is associated with TIG1 expression,indicating its protumor growth characteristics,especially in promoting the invasion of inflammatory breast cancer cells.This review comprehensively summarizes the roles of the TIG1 gene in cancer development and details the mechanisms through which TIG1 regulates cancer development,with the aim of understanding its various roles in cancer development.

Concomitant epidermal growth factor receptor mutation/c-ros oncogene 1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation and c-ros oncogene 1(ROS1)rearrangement are key genetic alterations and predictive tumor markers for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and are typically considered to be mutually exc-lusive.EGFR/ROS1 co-mutation is a rare event,and the standard treatment appr-oach for such cases is still equivocal.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with lung adenocar-cinoma,with concomitant EGFR L858R mutation and ROS1 rearrangement.The patient received two cycles of chemotherapy after surgery,but the disease prog-ressed.Following 1-month treatment with gefitinib,the disease progressed again.However,after switching to crizotinib,the lesion became stable.Currently,crizotinib has been administered for over 53 months with a remarkable treatment effect.CONCLUSION The efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and crizotinib was vastly different in this NSCLC patient with EGFR/ROS1 co-mutation.This report will aid future treatment of such patients.

芍药苷通过β-catenin/c-Myc通路抑制有氧糖酵解缓解小鼠脓毒症相关急性肾损伤

目的 探究芍药苷(paeoniflorin,PF)在小鼠脓毒症相关急性肾损伤(sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, SA-AKI)中的作用及机制。方法 采用腹腔注射脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)的方法构建小鼠SA-AKI模型。将24只6~8周龄的雄性C57BL/6J小鼠(体质量为20~25 g),用随机数字表法分为4组(n=6):对照组(Control组);模型组(LPS组),腹腔注射LPS(15 mg/kg);芍药苷组(LPS+PF组),LPS造模前30 min腹腔注射PF(50 mg/kg);β-catenin特异性激动剂BML284组(LPS+PF+BML284组),LPS造模前30 min,先腹腔注射PF(50 mg/kg),再腹腔注射BML284(10 mg/kg)。采用HE染色观察肾脏组织病理变化并进行Paller评分;采用ELISA检测血清肌酐(serum creatinine, Scr)、中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin,NGAL)和乳酸,以及肾组织己糖激酶2(hexokinase2,HK2)、乳酸脱氢酶A(lactate dehydrogenase A,LDHA)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)和白细胞介素18(interleukin-18,IL-18)的含量;Western blot检测总β-连环蛋白(beta-catenin, β-catenin)、磷酸化β-cateninY654(p-β-cateninY654)、细胞核β-catenin以及c-骨髓细胞瘤癌基因蛋白(c-myelocytomatosis oncogene gene, c-Myc)的表达。结果 与Control组比较,LPS组HE染色显示肾脏组织受损,Paller评分升高(P<0.05),血清Scr、NGAL增加(P<0.05),肾组织HK2、LDHA及血清乳酸等有氧糖酵解指标和IL-1β、IL-18含量增多(P<0.05),肾组织总β-catenin、p-β-cateninY654、细胞核β-catenin以及c-Myc表达上升(P<0.05)。与LPS组相比,LPS+PF组HE染色显示肾脏组织损伤减轻,Paller评分下降(P<0.05),血清Scr、NGAL降低(P<0.05),肾组织HK2、LDHA及血清乳酸等有氧糖酵解指标和IL-1β、IL-18含量减少(P<0.05),肾组织总β-catenin、p-β-cateninY654、细胞核β-catenin以及c-Myc表达下调(P<0.05)。与LPS+PF组比较,LPS+PF+BML284组HE染色显示肾脏组织受损加重,Paller评分升高(P<0.05),血清Scr、NGAL增加(P<0.05),肾组织HK2、LDHA及血清乳酸等有氧糖酵解指标和IL-1β、IL-18含量增多(P<0.05),肾组织总β-catenin、p-β-cateninY654、细胞核β-catenin以及c-Myc表达上升(P<0.05)。结论 PF可以缓解SA-AKI,其机制可能是通过抑制β-catenin/c-Myc通路,降低肾组织有氧糖酵解水平和炎症反应。

THE EXPRESSION OF C-MYC AND N-RAS ONCOGENES IN HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA-AN IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION STUDY ON PARAFFIN EMBEDDED TISSUE SECTIONS

In this research, we investigated the expression of C myc and N-ras mRNAs on 21 cases paraffin- embedded tissue sections of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) using insitu hybridization technique with biotinylated labelled cDNA probes. Of 21 cases of hepatoma , C-myc mRNA was positive-expressed in 9 cases(42. 9 % ) and N-ras positive in 4 cases ( 19% ) in hepatoma cells, and C-myc and N-ras positive in 4 and 1 cases respectively in peritumor hepatocytes. C- myc mRNAs were localized within cytoplasms of both hepatoma cells and peritumor hepatocytes. However , the positive intensities of C-myc and N-ros mRNAs in hepatoma cells were much greater than those in peritumor hepatocytes. The results indicated that Cmyc and N-ras oncogenes were overexpressed in HCC, and may play an important role in coordinatively maintaince of the malignant phenotypes in HCC.

c-Myc基因扩增的原发性胰腺弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤2例并文献复习

目的探讨发生在胰腺的c-Myc基因扩增的弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)患者的临床表现、病理特征及预后。方法回顾性分析2例c-Myc基因扩增的原发性胰腺DLBCL患者的临床病理特征。结果病例1,DLBCL,非生发中心型;病例2,DLBCL,生发中心型。病例1未手术治疗,病例2行十二指肠切除术后化疗。2例患者均采用利妥昔单抗联合阿霉素、环磷酰胺,长春新碱和泼尼松龙(R-CHOP方案)化疗,病例1总生存期18 d,病例2总生存期15个月。结论c-Myc基因扩增的原发性胰腺DLBCL患者临床表现与胰腺癌相似,病情易进展,预后很差,美罗华R-CHOP方案化疗方案治疗效果不佳,建议采取更激进的治疗方式改善预后。

Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor in cirrhotic tissues and their relations to proto-oncogene c-fos, c-myc

Objective: To investigate the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogene- sis of liver cirrhosis and the correlation between VEGF and proto-oncogene c-fos and c-myc in cir- rhotic liver. Methods: The proteins of VEGF, c-fos, and c-myc were identified immunohistochemically in each tissue section of 53 cases of liver cirrhosis. The correlations between VEGF, c-fos and c-myc were analyzed. The levels of VEGF protein in different Child gradings were also compared. Results: The proteins of VEGF were more highly ex- pressed in Child A and B patients than in Child C patients and controls. The expressions of both c-fos and c-myc were not statistically significant between VEGF positive and negative patients. Conclusions: The protein level of VEGF can reflect the compensation status of cirrhosis patients and may act as an anti-cirrhotic factor. The proto-oncogene c- fos, c-myc and VEGF may have different mecha- nisms in the course of cirrhosis or hepatic tumorigen- esis.

Promoter hypermethylation of tissue specific tumor supressor genes and point mutation in K-ras, c-myc proto-oncogenes in urinary (transitional cell) bladder carcinoma

In a total of 83 UN specimens were investigated for proto-oncogene mutations, tumor supressor genes promoter methylation status and c-myc and Ki-67 expression. Point mutations in c-myc were detected in cases with high grade and proliferation index. Mutated K-ras proto-onco- gene profiles were detected in 17 (21%) tumoral spiecemens that examined. Tumor specimens were also showed hypermethylated promoter domain for the SFRP2, MGMT tumor supressor genes. These findings showed the combine effect of mutated c-myc and K-ras oncogene and epigenetic inactivation of tissue specific tumor supressor genes (TS) play a crucial role in tumor progression and recurrence in UN carcinogenesis.

c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨胃癌组织中c-Myc、细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶12(CDK12)表达及其与患者临床特征及预后的关系。方法 收集80例胃癌患者的胃癌组织和癌旁组织标本,采用免疫组化法检测标本中的c-Myc、CDK12表达水平。比较胃癌组织和癌旁组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达情况;分析胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达与患者临床病理特征的关系;分析c-Myc与CDK12阳性表达的相关性,胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达与胃癌患者预后的关系。结果 胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达率(77.5%、87.5%)均明显高于癌旁组织(13.8%、15.0%)(P<0.05)。不同年龄、性别、肿瘤最大直径患者胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);中低分化、Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、侵犯浆膜、有淋巴结转移患者胃癌组织中c-Myc和CDK12阳性表达率分别为88.0%、87.0%、88.9%、90.0%和94.0%、92.6%、97.2%、100.0%,均明显高于高分化、Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、未侵犯浆膜、无淋巴结转移患者胃癌组织的60.0%、57.7%、68.2%、70.0%和76.7%、76.9%、79.5%、80.0%(P<0.05)。相关分析发现,c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中的表达呈正相关性(r=0.487,P=0.016<0.05)。胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性患者的3年生存率分别为19.4%、21.4%,均明显低于c-Myc、CDK12阴性患者的55.6%、70.0%(P<0.05)。结论 c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中异常高表达,两者呈正相关性,并与肿瘤的TNM分期、分化程度、肿瘤侵袭深度及淋巴结转移有关,对患者的预后有明显影响,通过检测两者水平可能评估胃癌患者的预后。

胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT的表达意义及其与胃癌病变程度的相关性

目的探讨胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclinD1)、c-Myc、CKIT的表达意义及其与胃癌病变程度的相关性。方法选择48只健康成年雌性大鼠,按照随机数字表法将其分为对照组、研究1组、研究2组、研究3组,每组各12只。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组均制备成胃癌模型。对照组给予等量0.9%氯化钠溶液,第24周处死取材;研究1组、研究2组、研究3组制备成胃癌大鼠后分别于第8、16、24周取材。分析各组大鼠一般情况及胃黏膜组织病理切片,采用蛋白质印迹法检测胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白的表达,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法测定胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA的表达,采用Spearman分析法测定胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT表达与胃癌病变程度相关性。结果对照组大鼠胃黏膜完整正常,外膜层、肌层、黏膜下层、黏膜层等结构清晰,且无炎症细胞浸润;研究1组大鼠胃黏膜组织与对照组大鼠接近,不存在炎症细胞,且黏膜腺体结构基本正常;研究2组大鼠胃黏膜组织存在破损,细胞核变大,基底部部分腺体细胞形态异常,存在轻度异型性,为早期胃癌;研究3组大鼠胃黏膜组织增加破损,核质比变大,细胞形态不规则,部分腺体存在扩张,黏膜下层及肌层存在炎症细胞浸润,为胃癌进展期。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白均呈显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白在研究1组、研究2组、研究3组中逐渐升高趋势。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA均呈显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA在研究1组、研究2组、研究3组中逐渐升高趋势。采用Spearman相关性结果分析显示,胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT表达与胃癌病变程度呈正相关(r=0.382、0.781、0.993,均P<0.001)。结论胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT呈高表达,其与胃癌病变程度密切相关。

Study of differential polymerase chain reaction of C-erbB-2 oncogene amplification in gastric cancer

AIM To study the significance of C-erbB-2 oncogene amplification in gastric cancer.METHODS C-erbB-2 oncogene amplification was examined by using differential polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) in surgical and endoscopic specimens of 83 cases of gastric cancer and 101 metastatic lymph nodes.RESULTS C-erbB-2 amplification was found in 28.9% (24/ 83) surgical specimens and 20.5% (17/ 83) endoscopic ones of gastric cancer patients. The amplification was significant in both types of specimens of advanced cancer cases (P＜0.05) and surgical specimens with lymph node metastasis (P＜0.01). The incidence of C-erbB-2 amplification in lymph nodes with metastasis was higher than in primary sites (surgical specimens, P＜0.05). The patients with amplification tumors had poorer 5-year survival rates than those with unamplification ones in the early cancers and well to moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas (P＜0.05). The same surgical samples were tested again by Southern blot hybridization to ascertain C-erbB-2 amplification, and the positive rate of C-erbB-2 amplification (15.7%) was lower than that of dPCR (28.9%, P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Examining C-erbB-2 amplification by dPCR is a quick, simple, reliable and independent method, and is helpful in predicting prognosis and metastatic potential of gastric cancer.

Dual fluorescence in situ hybridization in detection of HER-2 oncogene amplification in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Molecular cytogenetics of oncogene HER-2 amplification in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to in vestigate the frequency of HER-2 oncogene amplification in primary HCC and its relations to clinicopathological pa rameters and prognosis. METHODS: Forty-two surgical samples from patients with primary HCC were detected for their HER-2 oncogene am plification. The number of chromosome 17 and their ratio were tested by dual fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, and then the correlations between HER-2 amplification, clinicopathological characteristics and prog nosis were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: HER-2 oncogene amplification was detected in 9 (21.4%) of the 42 primary HCCs, including 4 patient with high copy (HC) (9.5%) and 5 patients with low copy (LC) (11.9%). HER-2 amplification was associated signifi cantly with tumor size and postoperative survival time o HCC patients (P<0.05), and the presence of HER-2 gene amplification was correlated with postoperative relapse (P— 0.257), but not related to sex, age, AFP level, HBV infec tion, histopathological grading and clinical staging of HCC patients (P>0.05). The HER-2 oncogene copy was exa mined in 31 (73.8%) of the 42 primary HCCs, consisting of 9 patients with HER-2 amplification (21.4%) and 22 pa tients with aneuploidy (52.4%). No significant relation were observed between the HER-2 oncogene copy, patien sex, tumor size, histopathological grading, clinical stag ing, postoperative relapse and survival time (P >0.05); bu the HER-2 oncogene copy was correlated significantly to age, AFP level and HBV infection (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are a lower frequency of HER-2 oncogene amplification and a higher frequency of chromo- some 17 aneuploidy in primary HCC. HER-2 oncogene amplification may be involved in the development and pro- gression of large HCC in some patients, and seems to be a valuably independent prognostic factor predicting the re- currence and poor survival in patients with large HCC.

Oncogene GAEC1 regulates CAPN10 expression which predicts survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To identify the downstream regulated genes of GAEC1 oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their clinicopathological significance. METHODS: The anti-proliferative effect of knocking down the expression of GAEC1 oncogene was stud-ied by using the RNA interference (RNAi) approach through transfecting the GAEC1 -overexpressed esophageal carcinoma cell line KYSE150 with the pSilencer vector cloned with a GAEC1 -targeted sequence, followed by MTS cell proliferation assay and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. RNA was then extracted from the parental, pSilencer-GAEC1 -targeted sequence transfected and pSilencer negative control vector transfected KYSE150 cells for further analysis of different patterns in gene expression. Genes differentially expressed with suppressed GAEC1 expression were then determined using Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 cDNA microarray analysis by comparing with the parental cells and normalized with the pSilencer negative control vector transfected cells. The most prominently regulated genes were then studied by immunohistochemical staining using tissue microarrays to determine their clinicopathological correlations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by statistical analyses. RESULTS: The RNAi approach of knocking down gene expression showed the effective suppression of GAEC1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE150 that resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and increase of apoptotic population. cDNA microarray analysis for identifying differentially expressed genes detected the greatest levels of downregulation of calpain 10 (CAPN10 ) and upregulation of trinucleotide repeat containing 6C (TNRC6C ) transcripts when GAEC1 expression was suppressed. At the tissue level, the high level expression of calpain 10 protein was significantly associated with longer patient survival (month) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to the patients with low level of calpain 10 expression (37.73 ± 16.33 vs 12.62 ± 12.44, P = 0.032). No significant correction was observed among the TNRC6C protein expression level and the clinocopathologcial features of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: GAEC1 regulates the expression of CAPN10 and TNRC6C downstream. Calpain 10 expression is a potential prognostic marker in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Studies on Hepatocyte Apoptosis, Proliferation and Oncogene c-fos Expression in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Cirrhotic Rat Liver

Summary: To investigate the significance of hepatocyte apoptosis, proliferation and oncogene c fos expression in carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) induced cirrhotic rat liver. Rat cirrhosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 % (v∶v 1∶1) CCl 4. Hepatocyte apoptosis, proliferation and oncogene c fos expression were examined with TUNEL, PCNA and c fos immunohistochemical methods in control group and treatment group 72 h, 5, 7, 11 and 15 weeks after CCl 4 induction. Hepatocyte apoptosis was rarely seen in control rat liver. The hepatocyte apoptosis was obviously increased 72 h after treatment. Fifteen weeks after treatment, the apoptosis was still more obvious in treatment group than that in controls. PCNA was constantly expressed in CCl 4 group, with highest level at middle phase. C fos was positive 7 and 11 weeks after CCl 4 treatment. The results suggest that: 1) apoptosis is involved in rat liver damage at the early phase in CCl 4 induced injury, and the process can alleviate nodule reconstruction or eradicate potentially mutational hepatocytes at the later phase; 2) hepatocytes constantly proliferate in CCl 4 induced rat liver cirrhosis, especially at the middle phase; 3) c fos might modulate hepatocyte proliferation in CCl 4 induced rat liver cirrhosis.

The relationship between point mutation and abnormal expression of c-fms oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Recent research found abnormal expres- sion of the c-fms oncogene, which encodes the macro- phage colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF-1R), in several human carcinomas including hepatocellular carcino- ma (HCC). But the relationship between the point muta- tion and abnormal expressing of c-fms oncogene in HCC was not clear. This study is to investigate the relationship between point mutation and abnormal expression of c-fms oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to clari- fy the mechanism of HCC. METHODS: The expression of c-fms oncogene at different levels of cell, protein and transcription was observed using immune histological ABC, Western blot and Northern blot. PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism and gene sequencing were used to detect the mutation of c-fms in HCC tissues and their surrounding tissues of 30 patients. RESULTS: The expression of c-fms was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in their surrounding tissues (P <0.01). Point mutation of Leu (TTG)—>Ser (TCG) at codon 301 of c-fms amino acids was observed in 21.4% (3/14) HCC tissues. No mutation of c-fms oncogene was detected in the surrounding cancerous tissues. CONCLUSION: Point mutation at codon 301 of c-fms on- cogene is one of the mechanisms of abnormal over-expres- sion in HCC.

MUTATION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF C-FMS ONCOGENE IN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Objective: To study the clinical significance and relationship between c-fms oncogene and hepatocellular carcinogenesis, to further clarify the occurring mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: PCR-SSCP technique was used to analyse mutation of c-fms oncogene in 30 cases of HCC tissues. Sequencing the PCR products after cloning to prove the mutations, meanwhile the relationship between c-fms mutations and clinical pathology of HCC was investigated. Results: Two abnormal single strands were observed in 10% (3/30) HCC tissues from c-fms DNA corresponding to 301st codon of c-fms amino acids. PCR products of abnormal single strands were sequenced after cloning, it demonstrated that there was transition of T→C at nucleic acid 14855 of c-fms DNA, which corresponded to transition of Leu (TTG)→Ser (TCG) at 301st codon of c-fms amino acids. The mutation was related to malignant degree and type of HCC tissues as well as patient’s age. Conclusion: Mutation of c-fms codon at site 301 implied a molecular mechanism contributing to hepatocellular carcinogenesis.