Expression of GAGE genes in neuroblastoma by reverse transcription - Polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Problem. Several tumor specific antigens have now been identified as coded for by the families of genes termed MAGE, BAGE and GAGE. The objective of this study was to explore the expression of the GAGE gene subtypes on biopsy or surgical excision specimens of 46 patients with neuroblastoma. Methods. The expression of the subtypes of the GAGE was identified by RT-PCR with confirmation of the specificity of the PCR product by Southern blot. The patients were staged by the INSS criteria and MYCN oncogene amplification was also determined on all of the specimens. Results. Overall 43/46 (93%) expressed one of the GAGE genes with GAGE-1 in 29 and GAGE-1, -2 & -7 in 38. GAGE-3,-4,-5,-6 & -8 was exp..