[Alterations of retinoblastoma gene and its protein expression in aggressive bone tumors].

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between RB gene and the oncogenesis of bone tumors.

METHODS

Southern blot and immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect the structural anomalies of RB gene in 34 cases of bone tumors and the expression of RB protein in 99 paraffin-embedded bone neoplasma.

RESULTS

The deletion and/or rearrangement of RB gene were detected only in 42.9% (9/21) of osteosarcoma; lack of RB protein expression was noticed in 12 cases including 7 cases of osteosarcoma (7/26, 26.9%) and 5 cases of chondrosarcoma (5/23, 21.7%). Beniga giant cell tumor of bone and chondroblastoma showed positive RB protein expression; osteosarcoma cells presenting poor differentiation and apparent atypia all showed no expression of RB protein. Most of the high-grade chondrosarcoma also had no RB protein expression.

CONCLUSION

The alterations of RB gene and loss of RB protein may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of malignant bone neoplasms.