Expression of A, G and B melanoma antigen genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the expression of the A melanoma antigen (MAGE), G melanoma antigen (GAGE) and B melanoma antigen (BAGE) genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.


METHODS
The MAGE-1,MAGE-3,GAGE1-8,GAGE1-2 and BAGE mRNA lever in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721, QQY-7701, BEL-7402 were studied by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and were compared with biopsied liver tissues.


RESULTS
MAGE-1 and BAGE mRNA were expressed in SMMC-7721, MAGE-3 and BAGE in QGY-7701, MAGE-1 and GAGE1-2 in BEL-7402. None of these genes was expressed in biopsied liver tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
MAGE-1, MAGE-3, GAGE1-8, GAGE1-2 and BAGE were expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, respectively. These tumor-specific antigens can be used as molecular markers and possible targets of immunotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Chen
Zhi
Z
Institute of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China. chenzhi@mail.hz.zj.cn
Shao
Jun-Bing
JB
Wu
Wei
W
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism*; D001706:Biopsy; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D012333:RNA, Messenger