Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: In order to evaluate the role of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene in chordomas and chondrosarcomas we screened seven chordomas and two chondrosarcomas located at the skull base for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the Rb gene. Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor specimens as well as matched control tissue and utilizing a polymerase chain reaction technique, intron 17 and 20 were amplified from each specimen. The intron 17 product was then digested with the restriction endonuclease X ba1 followed by electrophoresis on a 1% agrose gel. The intron 20 amplified products were electrophoresed on a nondenaturing 6% polyacrylamide gel. RESULTS: We demonstrated LOH at intron 17 of the retinoblastoma gene in 2/7 chordomas and in 0/2 chondrosarcomas. The two chordomas possessing LOH were particularly aggressive tumors demonstrating extensive involvement of the skull base and rapid recurrences following radical resections. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of the Rb gene may play a role in the growth of skull base chordomas with LOH of the Rb gene serving as a marker for more aggressive tumors. This report represents the first study evaluating the Rb gene in chordomas or chondrosarcomas and is the first report of allelic loss of the Rb gene in skull base chordomas.
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Authors | M B Eisenberg, M Woloschak, C Sen, D Wolfe |
Journal | Surgical neurology
(Surg Neurol)
Vol. 47
Issue 2
Pg. 156-60; discussion 160-1
(Feb 1997)
ISSN: 0090-3019 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9040820
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Chondrosarcoma
(genetics)
- Chordoma
(genetics)
- Chromosome Deletion
- DNA Probes
- Female
- Genes, Retinoblastoma
(genetics)
- Heterozygote
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Skull Base Neoplasms
(genetics)
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