C-myc and c-fos in human osteosarcoma: prognostic value of mRNA and protein expression.
The c-myc and c-fos proto-oncogenes have several putative functions, including regulation of cell growth. In many neoplasms c-myc overexpression has been linked to poor prognosis. In order to study the role of c-myc and c-fos expression on the tumorigenesis, and the metastatic spread of osteosarcoma, frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue 38 primary osteosarcoma and 10 lung metastases were analyzed. The mRNA analysis was performed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. The protein expression was studied by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. C-myc and c-fos were found overexpressed in a high percentage of the relapsed tumors and of the metastases, and overexpression of both oncogenes in the same tumor was strongly correlated to the development of metastases (p < 0.05), as 6 of the 7 primary tumors overexpressing both the oncogenes gave metastases. In conclusion, both c-myc and c-fos are involved in the growth and spread of osteosarcoma and a synchronous overexpression of both oncogenes is highly significant for a metastatic potential of a primary tumor.
Laboratory of Oncologic Research, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy.
G
G
Gamberi
M S
MS
Benassi
T
T
Bohling
P
P
Ragazzini
L
L
Molendini
M R
MR
Sollazzo
F
F
Pompetti
M
M
Merli
G
G
Magagnoli
A
A
Balladelli
P
P
Picci
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D016762:Genes, fos; D016259:Genes, myc; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; D012333:RNA, Messenger