High frequency of expression of MAGE genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Activation of human MAGE genes leads to the expression of a set of tumor rejection antigens, which are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The antigens may become the targets of immunotherapy. The expression of MAGE genes was originally found in, but is not restricted, to melanomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MAGE genes in human hepatocellular carcinomas.


METHODS
The expression of MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4 genes in tumorous and corresponding non-tumorous liver tissue was studied using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
In the 50 hepatocellular carcinomas studied, MAGE-1, -2, -3, -4 mRNA expression was detected in 23 (46%), 17 (34%), 21 (42%) and 8 (16%), respectively. Seventy-four percent of the hepatocellular carcinomas expressed at least one of the MAGE genes. MAGE mRNAs were not detected in the corresponding non-tumor liver tissues. MAGE gene expression was not significantly correlated with clinicopathological factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The MAGE genes are expressed in a high percentage of hepatocellular carcinomas; the MAGE gene products are potential targets for tumor-specific immunotherapy.
Chen
C H
CH
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei.
Huang
G T
GT
Lee
H S
HS
Yang
P M
PM
Yan
M D
MD
Chen
D S
DS
Sheu
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C072011:MAGEA1 protein, human; C072013:MAGEA3 protein, human; C095204:MAGEA4 protein, human; C072012:MAGEB2 protein, human; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins