A randomized controlled trial of low-dose recombinant human interferons alpha-2b nasal spray to prevent acute viral respiratory infections in military recruits

The military population has a high disease burden of acute viral respiratory infections in China. To assess the efficacy and safety of a low-dose recombinant human interferon α-2b (rIFNα-2b) nasal spray in preventing acute viral respiratory infections in military population, we performed this randomized controlled trial. The results showed that application of the rIFNα-2b nasal spray had the benefits in prevention of infections caused by influenza A virus, influenza B virus parainfluenza viruses 1–3 and adenovirus species B. However, no benefit was seen in preventing respiratory syncytial virus. No severe adverse events were reported. Therefore, the rIFNα-2b nasal spray was effective and well tolerated for preventing common viral respiratory infections in the military recruits.

Outbreak studies of a GII-3 and a GII-4 norovirus revealed an association between HBGA phenotypes and viral infection

Noroviruses are the major viral pathogen of epidemic acute gastroenteritis. Two outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis that occurred in China in 2003 and 2006, caused by a GII-4 and a GII-3 strain, respectively, were studied to investigate potential association between viral infection and histo-blood types of hosts. The histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) phenotypes of 146 subjects (16 from the GII-3 and 130 from the GII-4 outbreaks) were determined in a saliva-based EIA. Our results showed that the secretor status of individuals was strongly associated with infection in the two outbreaks (P=0.0007, OR=0.044, 95% CI, 0.003-0.765); none of the nonsecretor in either outbreak developed symptomatic infection. The infection rate of individuals with the ABH and Lewis blood types varied between the two outbreaks. In the GII-4 outbreak, association of ABH blood types with noroviral infection (P=0.001, Chi-square=16.13) has been observed, in which the type A individuals had an increased risk of infection [61% in the symptomatic group (n=41) vs. 30% in the asymptomatic group (n=89), P=0.0001], while the type O individuals showed a decreased infection rate (17% vs. 48% in the two groups, P=0.0048). In the GII-3 outbreak, however, individuals with the H antigen only appeared to have a higher rate of infection (33% vs. 14%, P=0.059). Our study provided further evidence in the association between noroviral infection and the HBGA types of hosts. While the nonsecretor phenotype appears naturally resistant to these two strains, additional determinants on the HBGAs also may play roles in host range of the two strains.

Monocyte infiltration and kidney allograft dysfunction during acute rejection

Multiple cell types infiltrate acutely rejecting renal allografts. Typically, monocytes and T cells predominate. Although T cells are known to be required for acute rejection, the degree to which monocytes influence this process remains incompletely defined. Specifically, it has not been established to what degree monocytes impact the clinical phenotype of rejection or how their influence compares to that of T cells. We therefore investigated the relative impact of T cells and monocytes by correlating their presence as measured by immunohistochemical staining with the magnitude of the acute change in renal function at the time of biopsy in 78 consecutive patients with histological acute rejection. We found that functional impairment was strongly associated with the degree of overall cellular infiltration as scored using Banff criteria. However, when cell types were considered, monocyte infiltration was quantitatively associated with renal dysfunction while T-cell infiltration was not. Similarly, renal tubular stress, as indicated by HLA-DR expression, increased with monocyte but not T-cell infiltration. These data suggest that acute allograft dysfunction is most closely related to monocyte infiltration and that isolated T-cell infiltration has less acute functional impact. This relationship may be useful in assigning acute clinical relevance to biopsy findings.

Mammography use in women age 80 and older with breast cancer

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Background: The guidelines for screening mammography use in patients age 80 years and older are not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mammography use on stage and tumor size at breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. We evaluated 14,976 women aged 80 and older diagnosed with breast cancer between 1996–2002. Patients were divided into three cohorts based on screening mammography use in the 60 months prior to diagnosis: nonusers, non-regular users (1–2 mammograms), and regular users (3+). The effects of screening on tumor stage (0-I vs. II-IV) and size were determined by logistic regression and multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Regular mammography use for the age groups 80–84, 85–89, and >= 90 was 29%, 19%, and 9%, respectively. Among regular users of mammography, 26% presented with stage II or greater cancer while 64% of non-users presented with stage II or greater disease. On multivariate analysis, non-users were 4.7 (95% CI 4.26–5.14) times more likely to present with high-stage cancer. Non-users, non-regular users, and regular users had an adjusted mean tumor size of 5.08 (4.44–5.72), 3.26 (2.57–3.95), and 2.77 (2.02–3.51), respectively. Conclusions: Regular screening mammography among women aged 80 years and older is associated with earlier stage at presentation and smaller tumor size compared to mammography nonusers. Health care providers should consider discussing potential benefits of screening mammography with their older patients particularly for those without significant comorbidity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Response of fetal heart rate to uterine contractions

The heart rate variability of fetuses under stress from maternal uterine contractions conveys critical information to clinicians and also provides theoretical clues about heart rate regulatory mechanisms. According to the polyvagal theory, the deceleration of fetal heart rate under stress is caused by the withdrawal of vagal tone. Recovery is mediated by its reestablishment. An implication of this mechanism is that the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is elevated after the deceleration and subsequent recovery. Findings from our clinical data on fetuses support this theory. The data also indicate that in the instance of a late deceleration the RSA may not be elevated after recovery.

Evaluation of serial serum IL-6 levels in women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer on a prospective clinical trial

5065

Background: Elevated levels of IL-6 in serum have been reported in patients (pts) with mullerian malignancies (MM) and have been associated with a poor prognosis. Little is know about the behavior of IL-6 during effective cytotoxic therapy and its correlation to various clinical parameters. Methods: Pts with surgically debulked FIGO Stage II, III, and IV MM were enrolled in the Modified Triple Doublets trial. 83 pts were assigned to a cohort in accordance with the extent of surgical debulking. Cohort I included women who had been optimally cytoreduced to <1cm of residual tumor. Cohort II consisted of pts who had either post-debulking residual disease >1cm or stage IV disease. Both cohorts were treated with 3 sequential chemotherapy doublets, gemcitabine/carboplatin, paclitaxel/carboplatin, and adriamycin/topotecan. Each doublet was delivered for 3 cycles. Serum was collected from pts prior to initiating each doublet at cycles 1, 4, 7 and at the end of study (post cycle 9). Serum IL-6 levels were measured in triplicate by sandwich ELISA. Results: Pts with MM had elevated levels of IL-6 following debulking surgery (mean = 12.7 pg/ml) as compared to normal controls (n = 11, mean IL-6 = 1.5 pg/ml, p =.01). While there was no significant correlation between IL-6 levels and stage of disease, the IL-6 serum concentrations did correlate with extent of surgical debulking (p = 0.0182). IL-6 concentrations dropped throughout all cycles of platinum based treatment with post platinum treatment mean concentration of 3.9pg/ml. IL-6 levels did not correlate with outcome of second look operation and there was no statistically significant correlation between IL-6 and CA-125 levels (p = 0.1612). Survival data is still immature with a median follow-up of 34 months, yet elevation of IL-6 levels following surgery demonstrates a trend towards inferior survival. Conclusions: IL-6 levels are elevated in ovarian cancer pts following surgical debulking and correlate with the volume of residual disease following surgical cytoreduction. Values decrease during cytoreductive platinum based chemotherapy although IL-6 was not as predictive of response as was CA-125. Data demonstrates a weak correlation betweenworse survival and elevated IL-6 levels. Supported by the Lana Vento Foundation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in older women treated with anthracycline (A) chemotherapy (C)

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Background: There are little available data on the long-term cardiac safety of anthracycline chemotherapy in women over age 65, so we evaluated rates and predictors of CHF in this population of older women. Methods: We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare (SEER-Medicare) database and included women aged 66–90 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer from 1992–1999, had no other cancers, and no history of CHF. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the 5- and 10-year cumulative rates of CHF and to determine the factors independently associated with the development of CHF. Results: A total of 34,621 women were included in this observational study: 28,640 who received no C, 3253 who received non-A C, and 2728 who received A C. Women who received A tended to be younger, have lower comorbidity scores, and have more advanced disease than women treated with non-A chemo or women who did not receive chemotherapy (p<0.001 for each). By multivariable Cox regression analysis, the 5- and 10-year rates of CHF in women aged 66–70 years were 19% and 47% for the A C cohort, 14% and 33% for the non-A C cohort, and 12% and 28% for the no C cohort. The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.45 (95% CI 1.19–1.76) for A C versus other C and was 0.97 (95% CI 0.82–1.14) for no C versus other C. The rates of CHF were not statistically different among women in the older age cohorts, although selection biases were likely stronger. Other significant predictors of CHF included black race (HR 1.28, 1.17–1.40), increasing comorbidity, and preceding diagnosis of hypertension (HR 1.40, 1.34–1.47), diabetes (HR 1.23, 1.16–1.30), and peripheral vascular disease (HR 1.26, 1.19–1.34). Conclusions: Although women ages 66–70 treated with A tended to be healthier than women treated with other types of chemotherapy, the rates of CHF among women treated with A were significantly higher. The difference in rates of CHF continued to increase through 10 years of follow-up.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older women after adjuvant breast cancer therapy

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Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with the development of secondary AML, but this risk in an older population has not been previously quantified. Methods: We queried data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare (SEER-Medicare) database for women who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer from 1992–1999. We compared the risk of AML in patients with and without adjuvant chemotherapy (C), and by differing C regimens. The primary endpoint was a claim with an inpatient or outpatient diagnosis of AML (ICD-09 codes 205–208). Risk of AML was estimated using the method of Kaplan-Meier. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine factors independently associated with AML. Results: 36,904 patients were included in this observational study, 4,572 who had received adjuvant C and 32,332 who had not. The median patient age was 75.3 (66.0–103.3). The median follow up was 63 months (13–132). Patients who received C were significantly younger, had more advanced stage disease, and had lower comorbidity scores (p<0.001). The unadjusted risk of developing AML at 10 years after any adjuvant C for breast cancer was 1.6% versus 1.1% for women who had not received C. The adjusted HR for AML with adjuvant C was 1.72 (1.16–2.54) compared to women who did not receive C. HR for radiation was 1.21 (0.86–1.70). HR was higher with increasing age but p>0.05. An analysis was performed among women who received C. When compared to other C regimens, anthracycline-based therapy (A) conveyed a significantly higher hazard for AML HR 2.17 (1.08–4.38), while patients who received A plus taxanes (T) did not have a significant increase in risk HR1.29 (0.44–3.82) nor did patients who received T with some other C HR 1.50 (0.34–6.67). Another significant independent predictor of AML included GCSF use HR 2.21 (1.14–4.25). In addition, increasing A dose was associated with higher risk of AML (p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a small but real increase in AML after adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in older women. The risk appears to be highest from A-based regimens, most of which also contained cyclophosphamide, and may be dose-dependent. T do not appear to increase risk. The role of GCSF should be further explored.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Biphasic metaplastic sarcomatoid carcinoma of the breast

BACKGROUND

Breast biphasic metaplastic sarcomatoid carcinoma (MSC) is rare and aggressive. We analyzed 100 patients treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) with 213 MSC and 98 carcinosarcoma patients identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Results (SEER) database to describe clinical and pathologic characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched the MDACC (1985-2001) and SEER databases (1988-2001) for breast MSC and carcinosarcoma patients.

RESULTS

We identified 100 MDACC MSC patients: 66% had node-negative disease and 6% distant metastases at presentation. Median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 94 patients with stages I-III disease was 74 months (range 3-74), with 52% 5-year RFS [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.63]. Median overall survival in these patients was not reached, with 64% 5-year survival (95% CI 0.54-0.75). The initial stage of the tumor, but not use of adjuvant chemo- or radiotherapy, had a strong association with outcome. The pathologic complete response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 10%. Median survival from the time of recurrent disease was 14 months (range 1-55). Tumors were usually hormone receptor- and HER2/neu-negative. SEER data were consistent with MDACC findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast MSC and carcinosarcoma are aggressive, treatment-refractory tumors with shared clinical features and outcome similar to poorly differentiated receptor-negative adenocarcinomas. New therapeutic agents are needed.

Paclitaxel resistance: molecular mechanisms and pharmacologic manipulation

It has been approximately ten years since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved paclitaxel for the treatment of platinum resistant epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Since the approval, the drug has found therapeutic applications in a variety of schedules and in a wide variety of epithelial malignancies. Its novel mechanism of action provided the hope that it would demonstrate anti-neoplastic activity in multidrug resistant tumor cells. Unfortunately, as with other chemotherapeutic drugs, resistance is commonly seen. Laboratory investigation has defined a wide variety of resistance mechanisms including overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR-1) gene, molecular changes in the target molecule (betatubulin), changes in apoptotic regulatory and mitosis checkpoint proteins, and more recently changes in lipid composition and potentially the overexpression of interleukin 6 (IL-6). This review describes the in vitro molecular data that define and support the various mechanisms of resistance and critically evaluates the evidence for the participation of these mechanisms in clinically relevant paclitaxel resistance. This review also explores pharmacologic attempts to modulate paclitaxel resistance, principally through inhibition of the MDR-1 drug efflux pump. Future avenues for drug resistance research and its pharmacologic manipulation in the clinic are discussed.

Overexpression of human phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) induces a multidrug resistance phenotype

BACKGROUND

Multidrug resistance is a significant barrier to the development of successful cancer treatment. To identify genetic alterations that are directly involved in paclitaxel resistance, a functional cloning strategy was developed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using mRNA from paclitaxel resistant human ovarian cancer cell line SW626TR, a cDNA library was established in a pCMV-Script vector that permits expression of cDNA inserts in mammalian cells. Transfection of the pCMV-Script/SW626TR cDNA library into the paclitaxel-sensitive human osteogenic sarcoma cell line, U-20S, resulted in several paclitaxel-resistant clones.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing of clone C16 demonstrates complete homology to human phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Retransfection of the PGK1 insert into U-20S confers a multidrug resistant phenotype, characterized by a 30-fold increase in paclitaxel resistance, and cross-resistance to vincristine; adriamycin and mitoxantrone, but not methotrexate or cisplatin. Enzymatic analysis of the PGK1 transfectants demonstrates an increase in PGK1 activity as compared to the parental cell line, U-20S. Northern and Western analysis of PGK1 transfectants reveals no change in MDR-1 expression compared with the parental cell line. In addition, co-culture of PGK1 transfectants with verapamil only partially reverses the multidrug resistant phenotype. Rhodamine 123 studies are also consistent with an MDR-1 independent mechanism of increased drug efflux.

CONCLUSION

Together this data suggests that PGK1 can induce a multidrug resistant phenotype through an MDR-1 independent mechanism.

[Mutation of LoopAB in HuIFN 1c/86D and enhancement of antiviral activity]

BACKGROUND

Based on the earlier mapping of the epitope recognized by neutralizing antibody, the authors directly replaced binding domain of IFN in AB-loop for enhancement of biological activity.

METHODS

Two unique restriction sites (EcoR? and BsE?) were created into region flanking LoopAB. Casette mutagesis, restriction enzyme digestion, DNA sequencing, antiviral activity assay and antiproliferative activity assay have been used in the project.

RESULTS

The mutated residues M31?D,D32?P of LoopAB in parent IFN were produced. The recombinant phagemid pCANTAB5E/3132IFN 1c/86D and expression plasmid PBV322-132IFN 1c/86D were constructed respectively by replacing the corresponding LoopAB with DNA fragment mutated in the residues M31?D,D32?P, which have been confirmed. The recombinant protein has been expressed in E.coli JM103. The crude 3132IFN 1c/86D has been assayed on human WISH cells challenged with VSV and on HeLa cells by colorimetric MTT. 3132IFN 1c/86D showed 8-old antiviral activity compared to that of parent IFN 1c/86D, while IFN?induced growth inhibition of both types had no difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors concluded that a mutant IFN with enhanced antiviral activity can be obtained via a targeted replacement of receptor binding domain in AB-loop.

Overexpression of IL-6 but not IL-8 increases paclitaxel resistance of U-2OS human osteosarcoma cells

The cytokines IL-6, initially recognized as a regulator of immune and inflammatory response and IL-8, a potential regulator of angiogenesis, also regulate the growth of many tumor cells. Human cancer cells selected for multidrug resistance to common chemotherapeutic agents demonstrate increased expression of IL-6 and IL-8. To determine whether IL-6 or IL-8 overexpression contributes directly to the drug resistant phenotype, IL-6 or IL-8 cDNA were introduced into the paclitaxel sensitive human osteosarcoma cell line U-2OS using the pIRESneo bicistronic expression vector. Interleukin-6 and IL-8 transfectants were selected for either high IL-6 or IL-8 secretion and evaluated in drug resistance assays. Two IL-6 and two IL-8 secreting clones express IL-6 or IL-8 levels of 10 ng/ml and 1 ng/ml in culture, while parental U-2OS and pIRESneo vector transfected control cells express IL-6 and IL-8 levels of 0.005 ng/ml and 0.1 ng/ml, respectively. MTT cytotoxicity with IL-6 transfected cells demonstrates a five-fold increase in resistance to paclitaxel and a four-fold increase in resistance to doxorubicin as compared to U-2OS. There are no changes in mitoxantrone or topotecan resistance in the IL-6 transfectants as compared to parental U-2OS. Northern analysis of IL-6 transfectants demonstrates that the resistant phenotype is not related to increased levels of MDR-1, MRP-1, or LRP. Western analysis also confirms that P-glycoprotein levels are not altered in IL-6 transfectants. Further supporting an MDR-1 independent mechanism of drug resistance, verapamil cannot reverse paclitaxel resistance in transfected cells, findings further supported by rhodamine 123 exclusion data. Treatment of IL-6 transfected cells with paclitaxel, compared with drug-sensitive parental U-2OS, shows U-2OS(IL-6) are significantly more resistant to apoptosis induced by paclitaxel and exhibit decreased proteolytic activation of caspase-3. In contrast U-2OS(IL-8) transfectants demonstrate no appreciable increase in paclitaxel resistance when compared with parental cells. In summary, while both IL-6 and IL-8 are overexpressed in paclitaxel resistant cell lines, only IL-6 has the potential to contribute directly to paclitaxel and doxorubicin resistance in U-2OS. This resistance is through a non-MDR-1 pathway.

Naphthalene formation by allylation of zirconaindenes in the ZnX2-Pd(PPh3)4 system

Zirconaindenes reacted with allyl halides in the presence of ZnX2 (X = Cl or Br) and a catalytic amount of Pd(PPh3)4 to give naphthalene derivatives in good yield.

Role of NF-Y in in vivo regulation of the gamma-globin gene

The duplicated CCAAT box is required for gamma gene expression. We report here that the transcriptional factor NF-Y is recruited to the duplicated CCAAT box in vivo. A mutation of the duplicated CCAAT box that severely disrupts the NF-Y binding also reduces the accessibility level of the gamma gene promoter, affects the assembly of basal transcriptional machinery, and increases the recruitment of GATA-1 to the locus control region (LCR) and the proximal promoter and the recruitment of transcription cofactor CBP/p300 to the LCR. These findings suggest that recruitment of NF-Y to the duplicated CCAAT box plays a role in the chromatin opening of the gamma gene promoter as well as in the communication between the gamma gene promoter and the LCR.

[Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of chlamydia pneumoniae infection with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

61 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, 35 patients with stable COPD and 26 healthy subjects were selected. Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific serum IgG, IgA, IgM antibodies were measured by microimmunofluorescence method. Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in sputum were detected by nested polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acute chlamydia pneumoniae infection in COPD patients with acute exacerbation was significantly higher (31.1%) than that in patients with stable COPD (P < 0.05) and in healthy subjects (P < 0.01). The prevalences of chronic chlamydia pneumoniae infection in COPD patients with acute exacerbations (21.3%) and stable COPD patients (31.4%) were higher than that in healthy subjects (P < 0.05) The level of geometric mean titer of the serum IgA antibodies was the highest in COPD patients with acute exacerbations (20.5), intermediately elevated in stable COPD patients (10.8) and lowest in healthy subjects (3.6).

CONCLUSION

Acute chlamydia pneumoniae infection is a rather frequent event in acute exacerbation of COPD, and chronic chlamydia pneumoniae infection may be involved in pathogenesis of COPD.

[Profile of telomerase and telomerase RNA expression in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis of rats induced by N, N'dinitrosopiperazine (DNP)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the profile of telomerase and telomerase RNA expression in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis (NPC) induced by N, N'dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) and examined histolofically.

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas of rats were induced by DNP and examined histologically. PCR-ELISA and nested RT-PCR were used to assay telomerase and telomerase RNA expression at different stages in the nasopharyngeal tissues of rats.

RESULTS

During the carcinogenesis process, telomerase activity increased along with the formation of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Telomerase expression was positively related with nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. Telomerase RNA expression was present and did not change during the NPC process. Expression of telomease RNA was earlier than telomerase activation. Telomerase activation and telomerase RNA expressin were also detected in the pre-cancerous nasopharyngeal lesions.

CONCLUSION

Telomerase activation may participate in the onset and progression of NPC, and is an early step in NPC.

Cloning and characterization of a potential transcriptional activator of human gamma-globin genes

Hybrids produced by fusing human fetal erythroblasts (HFE) with mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells initially produce predominantly or exclusively human gamma-globin and switch to human beta globin expression as time in culture advances. One explanation for the initially predominant expression of gamma-globin gene in these hybrids is the presence of trans-acting factors that activate gamma-globin gene transcription. We used differential display of hybrids before and after the gamma to beta switch as well as fetal liver and adult erythroblasts to identify cDNAs that could be candidates for potential gamma gene activators. Identically sized amplicons which were present in fetal liver erythroblasts and in the hybrids expressing only gamma-globin but were absent in the adult erythroblasts and in the same hybrids after they had switched to beta globin expression were cloned and sequenced. Fifty pairs of cDNAs fitting these criteria were chosen for further analysis. The sequences of the two members of 48 pairs differed from each other, revealing the low efficiency of this experimental approach. One clone pair coded for human proteosome subunit X. The second pair coded for a protein containing an acidic domain in the N-terminus and three consecutive CDC10/SW16/ankyrin repeats in the C-terminus. Transactivation assays in the yeast hybrid system and transient transfection assays in COS cells showed that a potent trans-activating domain resides in the N-terminus of this protein. Northern blot and RT-PCR assays showed that this gene is expressed in several fetal tissues but not in adult tissues. Stable transfection assays provided evidence that the product of this gene may increase the level of gamma mRNA in HFE x MEL cell hybrids that undergo the gamma to beta switch, suggesting that this new gene encodes a protein that may function as gamma gene activator.

TRAG-3, a novel cancer/testis antigen, is overexpressed in the majority of melanoma cell lines and malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND

We have identified a novel cancer/testis antigen, TRAG-3, (Taxol Resistance Associated Gene-3) that was initially discovered in search for new genes involved in drug resistance by differential display. Early study of TRAG-3 revealed minimal to absent expression in various normal tissues and over-expression in many carcinoma cell lines including several melanoma lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Northern and RT-PCR technologies were used to evaluate TRAG-3 expression in numerous cell lines and tumor tissue.

RESULTS

Analysis of a wider panel of normal tissues, 32 melanoma cell lines and 4 malignant melanomas demonstrates TRAG-3 expression in 25 of the 32 melanoma cell lines (78%) and four of four of the malignant melanoma tumors (100%). Of the additional eight normal tissues screened, expression was present in normal testis but absent in all other tissues. RT-PCR evaluation of TRAG-3 reveals two transcripts in many carcinoma cell lines with sequencing of these products demonstrating the 799 bp TRAG-3 transcript and a second alternatively spliced transcript, TRAG-3long TRAG-3 maps to band Xq28 within a MAGE gene complex, however sequence analysis demonstrates that TRAG-3 is not homologous to other known cancer/testis antigens.

CONCLUSION

TRAG-3 appears to be a novel cancer/testis antigen.