Asbestos Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Asbestos, including details on mesothelioma, lung disease, dangers, effects, risks.

Identification of intelectin overexpression in malignant pleural mesothelioma by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE).

Wali A, Morin PJ, Hough CD, Lonardo F, Seya T, Carbone M, Pass HI

Thoracic Oncology Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, and John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, 3990 John R, Suite 2102, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal neoplasm with no acceptable curative approaches. We used serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to compare the gene expression pattern of a surgically resected MPM to the autologous normal mesothelium. Intelectin gene overexpression (>139-fold) was found in the tumor. Online SAGE datasets revealed intelectin to be consistently present in mesothelioma(s), ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. Intelectin mRNA expression was found by RT-PCR in 4 of 5 resected MPM tumors, and Intelectin protein expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in 28 of 53 MPM tumors, and in 4 of 4 mesothelioma cell lines studied by Western blot. A marked induction in intelectin gene expression was observed among human primary mesothelial cells as a consequence of crocidolite asbestos exposure and simian virus 40 infection. Intelectin overexpression in mesothelioma could have potential screening, and therapeutic implications.

Published 21 March 2005 in Lung Cancer, 48(1): 19-29.
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