Gene amplification and protein overexpression of c-erb-b2 in Barrett carcinoma and its precursor lesions.
We examined 39 samples of metaplastic specialized epithelium (SE), 27 of low-grade dysplasia (LGD), 27 of high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and 46 of adenocarcinoma (CA) derived from Barrett esophagus for c-erb-b2 gene amplification using differential polymerase chain reaction and for overexpression of c-erb-b2 protein using immunohistochemical analysis. Amplification of the c-erb-b2 gene was as follows: SE, 0.0%; LGD, 0.0%; HGD, 11.1%; and CA, 13.6%; and protein overexpression was as follows: SE, 0.0%; LGD, 7.4%; HGD, 18.5%; and CA, 21.7%. In 8 (89%) of 9 samples, c-erb-b2 gene amplification correlated with protein overexpression. The reverse was true in 8 (47%) of 17 samples: c-erb-b2 protein overexpression was proved with simultaneous gene amplification. Amplification of c-erb-b2 is a late event in the carcinogenesis of Barrett esophagus. In contrast, protein overexpression appears more often and earlier Besides gene amplification, other mechanisms to induce protein overexpression must exist.
Geddert
Helene
H
Department of Pathology, University of Düsseldorf, Germany.
Zeriouh
Mohamed
M
Wolter
Marietta
M
Heise
Joachim W
JW
Gabbert
Helmut E
HE
Sarbia
Mario
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016629:Esophagectomy; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases