Expression of GAGE genes in neuroblastoma by reverse transcription - Polymerase chain reaction
Problem. Several tumor specific antigens have now been identified as coded for by the families of genes termed MAGE, BAGE and GAGE. The objective of this study was to explore the expression of the GAGE gene subtypes on biopsy or surgical excision specimens of 46 patients with neuroblastoma. Methods. The expression of the subtypes of the GAGE was identified by RT-PCR with confirmation of the specificity of the PCR product by Southern blot. The patients were staged by the INSS criteria and MYCN oncogene amplification was also determined on all of the specimens. Results. Overall 43/46 (93%) expressed one of the GAGE genes with GAGE-1 in 29 and GAGE-1, -2 & -7 in 38. GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & -8 was expressed significantly less often (15/46, p = 0.001). Paravertebral primaries expressed GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & -8 less often (4/19) than adrenal primaries (11/27, p = 0.02). There was no association of GAGE expression and INSS stage. In adrenal primaries GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & -8 was more often expressed in tumors without evidence of metastases to bone, bone marrow or orbits at presentation but this difference failed to reach significance (p = 0.10). There was no significant relationship between GAGE expression and MYCN amplification. Conclusion. We conclude that while GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & -8 expression is less common than the other subtypes, it is more often associated with adrenal primaries. Further investigations are required to confirm the possibility that in adrenal primaries GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & 8expression may indicate low metastatic potential.
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Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis