Gene amplification and multiple mutations of the K-ras oncogene in Kaposi's sarcoma.
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.
Nicolaides
A
A
Department of Microbiology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
Huang
Y Q
YQ
Li
J J
JJ
Zhang
W G
WG
Friedman-Kien
A E
AE
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*