Transcriptional activation of the glutathione S-transferase pi gene in human ureteric and bladder carcinomas.
Using a cDNA clone derived from the rat Glutathione S-Transferase P (GST-P) gene, we have investigated homologous transcripts in a range of normal and malignant human tissues. A major transcript, of 0.75 Kb, representing human GST-pi mRNA, was present in total RNA purified from peripheral white blood cells, bladder, ureteric and prostate tissues. In total RNA derived from histopathologically benign/normal tissues, peripheral leucocytes and from hyperplastic and malignant prostates, levels of the mature transcript varied by less than 1.5-fold (n = 70). In contrast, levels of transcript were significantly elevated (up to 16-fold) in total RNA derived from bladder and ureteric carcinomas, with the highest levels of elevation approaching those previously found only for the GST-P gene in experimentally induced rodent hepatocellular carcinomas. A wide range of stage and grade of tumour has been investigated (pT1 to pT4; G1 to G3, respectively), suggesting that the transcriptional activation of the GST-pi gene is a characteristic common to many bladder/ureteric carcinomas in man.
McQuaid
S
S
Department of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Ireland.
O'Brien
A
A
Butler
M R
MR
Humphries
P
P
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics*; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014516:Ureteral Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D005982:Glutathione Transferase