[Expression of MAGE-1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the possibility of tumor associated antigen encoded by MAGE-1 gene used as a target for immunotherapy in HCC patients.


METHODS
The expression of MAGE-1 gene in 39 HCCs and 3 HCC cell lines and 5 non-HCC patients liver tissues was examined by RT-PCR method.


RESULTS
The expression rate of MAGE-1 mRNA was significantly higher in HCC patients than in paratumor tissues (P < 0.01, 58.9% vs 10.3%). All the 3 HCC cell lines expressed MAGE-1 gene positively. All 5 non-HCC patients' liver tissues did not express MAGE-1 gene.


CONCLUSIONS
The high frequency of expression of MAGE-1 gene in HCCs suggests the possibility of MAGE-1 used as a target for immunotherapy in HCC patients.
Liu
B
B
Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.
Ye
S
S
He
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C072011:MAGEA1 protein, human; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins