N-myc gene expression and oncoprotein characterisation in medulloblastoma.
Although medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma share many common biological, histological and immunological features, the frequency of N-myc amplification differs markedly between the two tumours. In this study, Southern blot analysis revealed that the N-myc gene was not amplified in any of the nine medulloblastoma samples analysed. In contrast, over-expression of the gene was found in six of 11 samples as determined by immunocytochemistry and/or Western blot analysis, using an antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide representing a sequence unique to the N-myc gene product. The specificity of this reagent was demonstrated by studies on a variety of cell lines expressing N-myc and/or c-myc oncoproteins. Of the 12 medulloblastoma samples collected over a two-year period and analysed in the course of this project, a trend towards longer disease-free survival was noted in the patients having low levels of the N-myc protein in their tumour.
Garson
J A
JA
Imperial Cancer Research Fund Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
Pemberton
L F
LF
Sheppard
P W
PW
Varndell
I M
IM
Coakham
H B
HB
Kemshead
J T
JT
D015139:Blotting, Southern; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009857:Oncogenes
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins