Mutational analysis of a dominant oncogene (c-Ki-ras-2) and a tumor suppressor gene (p53) in hamster lung tumorigenesis

• Published in: Molecular carcinogenesis Vol. 6; no. 3; p. 199
• Main Authors: Oreffo, V I, Lin, H W, Gumerlock, P H, Kraegel, S A, Witschi, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1992
• Subjects: Animals; Base Sequence; Cricetinae; DNA Mutational Analysis; Genes, p53 - genetics; Genes, ras - genetics; Lung Neoplasms - genetics; Male; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger - chemistry
• ISSN: 0899-1987
• DOI: 10.1002/mc.2940060305

In human lung cancers, alterations of both a dominant oncogene (ras) and a tumor suppressor gene (p53) have been identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of mRNA was used to amplify the c-Ki-ras-2 and p53 genes from Syrian golden hamsters. The PCR products were confirmed by predicted-size analysis, probing with nonradioactive (biotin-labeled) oligonucleotides, and direct sequencing. Lung tumors were produced in hamsters by repeated injections of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Of six tumors examined, three (50%) had mutations in codon 12 of Ki-ras. Examination of the conserved regions of p53 revealed no mutations. We conclude that NNK-induced carcinogenesis in the hamster results in characteristic alterations of Ki-ras but may not necessarily involve the p53 gene.