Altered expression of RET proto-oncogene product in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer

Dawn M. Dawson, Earl G. Lawrence, Gregory T. MacLennan, Saeid B. Amini, Hsing Jien Kung, Dan Robinson, Martin I. Resnick, Elroy D. Kursh, Theresa P. Pretlow, Thomas G. Pretlow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The RET proto-oncogene encodes a protein that belongs to the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor family. Germline point mutations in RET are found in individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, and gene rearrangements have been reported in papillary thyroid cancers. We recently identified transcripts of the RET proto-oncogene in human prostate cancer xenografts and prostate cancer cell lines by means of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses. The purpose of this study was to investigate Ret protein expression in human prostate tissue. Methods: Ret protein expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded whole-prostate sections. The prostate specimens were obtained from 30 patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomies. Ret protein expression was compared in tumor foci and benign prostatic tissue. Medullary thyroid carcinoma tissue associated with an MEN syndrome and papillary thyroid cancer tissue served as positive controls. Results: Ret appeared to be overexpressed in high-grade (histopathologically advanced) prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer when compared with its expression level in benign prostatic secretory epithelium. In addition, there was an apparent increase in Ret protein expression with decreased cellular differentiation, i.e., increasing Gleason pattern. Conclusion: Expression of the RET proto-oncogene in benign prostatic epithelium, high-grade PIN, and histopathologically advanced prostate cancer suggests that RET may play a role in the growth of both benign and neoplastic prostate epithelial cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)519-523
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the National Cancer Institute
Volume90
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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