Expression of the EGF Receptor Gene Family in Gastric Cancer

ABSTRACT

Growth factor receptors play critical roles in the regulation of normal growth and developement. Some of these molecules have been implicated in the neoplastic process as well. In this study, We examined the expression of the EGF receptor gene family in gastric carcinoma by Ribonuclease protection assay and investigated the relationship between the expression of using a mRNA and clinicopathologic parameters. Expression of EGFR mRNA was found in 34 of 59 cases (57.6%), expression of c-erbB-2 mRNA was found in 27 of 57 cases (64.9%), expression of c-erbB-3 mRNA was found in 47 of 60 cases (78.3%), and expression of c-erbB-4 mRNA was found in 39 of 59 cases (66.1%). The expression of EGFR was correlated with the size of the tumor. The expression of c-erbB-2 was correlated with the presence of endolymphatic tumor emboli, Ming's classification, and lymph node matastasis. The expression of c-erbB-3 was correlated with the macroscopic type. Coexpression of c-erbB-2 and c-erbB-3 was correlated with age. These results suggest that the production of the EGF receptor gene family by various tumor cells it may play an important role in the cellular function. Therefore, further studies are currently being carried out to clarify the role of these oncogenes in tumor behavior and gastric carcinogenesis.