Some HOX genes may be
involved in transformation of normal cervical cells
(China Medical
College-August 6, 2003)
Some HOX genes may be involved
in transformation of normal cervical cells.
According to published research from Taiwan, "An association between
deregulation of homeobox (HOX) gene expression and oncogenic transformation
has been recently reported in human tumors.
"In this study, we investigated HOX gene expression and mutation in cervical
carcinoma cells. Using reverse
transcription-PCR, 11 human cervical carcinoma cell lines and 14 normal
cervical tissue samples were examined for mRNA expression of the 39 class I
HOX genes," wrote Y.C. Hung and colleagues, China Medical College,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
"DNA samples from 11 cell lines were tested for mutations in exons 1 and 2
of the HOXA10 and A13 genes using overlapping primer pairs which also cover
intron 1 of these genes," the researchers stated.
"HOXA1, B2, B4, C5, C10 and D13 genes were expressed in 8, 7, 9, 9, 9 and 11
of 11 cervical carcinoma cell lines, respectively, but not in any of the
normal cervical tissues. HOXA9, All, A13, B5, C4, D3 and D9 genes were
expressed in all cell lines and normal tissues," the researchers wrote.
"In contrast, 13 of 39 HOX genes were silent in all materials examined.
Single-strand conformational polymorphism and sequence analysis revealed a C
insertion after base 1042 and/or a G to C substitution at base 1113 in
intron 1 of the HOXA 13 gene in 4 of 11 cell lines, however, neither
deletions nor mutations were detected in exons 1 and 2 of the HOX A10 and
A13 genes," they added.
"The researchers concluded: "Our data suggest that the expression of HOXA1,
B2, B4, C5, C10 and D13 genes might
be involved in the process leading to the transformation of normal cervical
cells."
Hung and colleagues published their findings in Cancer Science (Homeobox
gene expression and mutation in cervical carcinoma cells. Cancer Sci,
2003;94(5):437-441).
Additional information can be obtained by contacting M. Ueda, China Medical
College, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2 Yuh Der Rd., Taichung,
Taiwan.
The information in this article comes under the major subject area of
Oncology. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and
other reports.
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