[Expression of two types of melanoma antigens in hepatocellular carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of melanoma antigen MAGE-4 and MAGE-10 mRNA in Chinese human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
The expression of MAGE-4 and MAGE-10 mRNA in HCC tissues and the adjacent non-HCC liver tissues was studied using RT-PCR in 48 samples of HCC. Ten samples of cirrhosis and 10 samples of normal liver tissues were examined. The PCR products were sequenced.


RESULTS
Of the 48 HCC samples studied, 15 (31.3%) and 14 (29.2%) expressed MAGE-4 and MAGE-10 mRNA respectively. In contrast, none of the HCC adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues were MAGE-4 and MAGE-10 mRNA detectable. Nor did liver tissues from cirrhosis and normal liver samples. The expression of the two genes in HCC showed no correlation with the serum level of AFP and the tumor size.


CONCLUSIONS
MAGE-4 and MAGE-10 mRNA are specifically expressed in Chinese HCC samples.
Cai
S
S
Surgical Department, People's Hospital, Beijing University, Beijing 100044, China.
Leng
X
X
Wang
Y
Y
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000939:Epitopes; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000939:Epitopes; C119317:MAGE-A10 antigen; C095204:MAGEA4 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger