Nras and Kras mutation in Japanese lung cancer patients: Genotyping analysis using LightCycler

Oncol Rep. 2007 Sep;18(3):623-8.

Abstract

Activating mutations of Ras gene families have been found in a variety of human malignancies, including lung cancer, suggesting their dominant role in tumorigenesis. Many studies have showed that the Kras gene is activated by point mutations in approximately 15-20% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), however, there are only a few reports on Nras mutations in NSCLC. We have genotyped Nras mutation status (n=195) and Kras mutation status (n=190) in surgically treated lung adenocarcinoma cases. The presence or absence of Nras and Kras mutations was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with mutation-specific sensor and anchor probes. EGFR mutation status at kinase domain has already been reported. Nras mutation was found in 1 of 195 patients. This mutation was a G-to-T transversion, involving the substitution of the normal glycine (GGT) with cystein (TGT) and thought to be a somatic mutation. The patient was male and a smoker. Kras mutant patients (11.1%; 21/190) had a significantly worse prognosis than wild-type patients (p=0.0013). Eighty-two EGFR mutations at kinase domain had exclusively Nras or Kras mutations. Although Nras gene mutation might be one of the mechanisms of oncogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma, this was a very rare event. Further studies are needed to confirm the mechanisms of Nras mutations for the sensitivity of molecular target therapy for lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenocarcinoma / mortality
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Aged
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Female
  • Genes, ras*
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • Survival Rate
  • ras Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • KRAS protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • ras Proteins