title: The SSX-2 gene, which is involved in the t(X;18) translocation of synovial sarcomas, codes for the human tumor antigen HOM-MEL-40.
abstract: Using autologous serum for the serological analysis of recombinantly expressed clones (SEREX) from a cDNA derived from a human melanoma, several new melanoma antigens were identified that are immunogenic in the autologous host. Sequence analysis revealed that one of these antigens, HOM-MEL-40, was coded for by the SSX2 gene, which has recently been described to be involved in the t(X;18) translocation of human synovial sarcomas. Expression analysis performed by Northern blot and RT-PCR demonstrated the presence of HOM-MEL-40 transcripts in a significant proportion of human melanomas (50%), colon cancers (25 %), hepatocarcinomas (30%), and breast carcinoma (20%) but not in normal tissues except for testis. Sequence comparison with transcripts cloned from testis ruled out mutations in the melanoma-derived HOM-MEL-40. Antibodies against HOM-MEL-40 were found in 10 of 89 patients with melanoma, including 3 of 8 patients with HOM-MEL-40-positive tumors, but not in 41 apparently healthy controls. In view of the specific expression pattern and immunogenicity in cancer patients, HOM-MEL-40 holds promise as a target for immune interventions in a considerable population of patients with HOM-MEL-40-positive tumors.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Innere Medizin I, Universitätskliniken des Saarlands, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Türeci
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schobert
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koslowski
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Scmitt
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Schild
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stenner
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Seitz
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Rammensee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pfreundschuh
mesh_terms: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013584:Sarcoma, Synovial / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm