title: Gene amplification and multiple mutations of the K-ras oncogene in Kaposi's sarcoma.
abstract: Thirty one biopsy samples of fresh Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) skin lesions were examined for alteration of the K-ras oncogene by differential PCR, SSCP and nucleic acid sequencing. Three KS specimens showed amplification of K-ras and 7 were found to have various mutations at exon 1 of the K-ras gene. Eight of the 10 K-ras gene alterations detected were found in more advanced nodular stage KS lesions, while only 2 were observed in the plaque stage KS tumors. Activation of the K-ras oncogene may play a role in the malignant progression of this unusual neoplasm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nicolaides
authors.forename: Y Q
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Friedman-Kien
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D011905:Genes, ras; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*