Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in first trimester human fetal gonadal development.
Tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes that control proliferation and apoptosis are known to play an important role in embryogenesis, second trimester fetal oocyte loss, adult ovulation, and in adult male testicular degeneration. We have examined tumour suppressor genes, oncogenes and oestrogen receptors during first trimester human gonadal differentiation to investigate their role at this crucial phase in development. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize the gene products of Bcl-2, c-erB-2, c-myc, p53, nm23 and oestrogen receptor. As gonadal development occurred at 6-12 weeks gestation, a changing pattern of expression was observed that varied in different cell types. The oestrogen receptor was not present in oogonia, spermatogonia and supporting cells during the first trimester. This study highlights the importance of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in first trimester gonadal development.
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
S M
SM
Quenby
M R
MR
Gazvani
C
C
Brazeau
J
J
Neilson
D I
DI
Lewis-Jones
G
G
Vince
D000328:Adult; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D019254:Genes, bcl-2; D018734:Genes, erbB-2; D016259:Genes, myc; D016158:Genes, p53; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D020559:Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins; D054778:NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases; D009701:Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase; D009857:Oncogenes; D010053:Ovary / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D054778:NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D014157:Transcription Factors; C517938:NME1 protein, human; D009701:Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase; D020559:Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins