[Expression of tumor metastasis gene MTA 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical implications].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relevance of the expression of tumor metastasis gene metastasis-associated 1 (MTA 1) to HCC metastasis.


METHODS
A fragment of MTA 1 cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. A DIG-labeled method of in situ hybridisation (ISH) was used to measure semiquantitatively MTA 1 mRNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.


RESULTS
Most of MTA 1 mRNA positive cells were located on the border of the tumor in some invasive HCC. High MTA 1 expression was found to correlate significantly with portal venous invasion, intrahepatic metastasis, tumor size or distant metastasis (P < 0.05), but not with gender, cirrhosis or AFP level. It also significantly predicted a shorter survival (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The overexpression of MTA 1 correlates closely with the invasion process of HCC.
Lin
C
C
Eastern Hepatobilliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200438, China.
Chen
H
H
Wu
M
M
Yang
G
G
Dai
J
J
Hu
S
S
D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015534:Trans-Activators
C089320:MTA1 protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D006655:Histone Deacetylases