The expression of MAGE and GAGE genes in uterine cervical carcinoma of Korea by RT-PCR with common primers.

BACKGROUND

Melanoma antigen genes (MAGE) and GAGE genes are encoded by genes that are silent in virtually all normal adult tissues but are expressed in tumors from various tissues. These gene products are targets for specific immunotherapy as they are presented by HLA I molecules and recognized by autologous cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. However, the characteristics of these genes, especially in uterine cervical cancer are relatively unknown.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the prevalence of MAGE and GAGE by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with common primers and discusses clinical implications in cervical carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh tissue from 37 cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma and normal cervical mucosa were evaluated for clinicopathologic parameters including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-16,18 infection by PCR, tumor stage by FIGO classification and lymph node involvement. RT-nested PCR for the MAGE and GAGE genes was performed with common primers and DNA sequencing after subcloning was used for identification of PCR products of MAGE. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded material from the same specimen was analyzed by in situ RT-PCR for MAGE.

RESULTS

Expression of MAGE and GAGE was not observed in normal tissues. Eleven out of 37 cases expressed MAGE mRNA (29.7%): analysis of subtypes identified one case of MAGE-1, two cases of MAGE-4b, six cases of MAGE-3, and two unknown subtypes. Thirteen out of 37 cases (35.1%) expressed GAGE mRNA. No significant relationships between expression of these genes and FIGO staging, lymph node metastasis or HPV infection were found.

CONCLUSION

Expression of MAGE and GAGE may be involved in the development of uterine cervical carcinoma from intraepithelial neoplasia, although without distinct prognostic significance. MAGE and GAGE genes have the potential to be used as targets for the treatment of uterine cervical carcinoma.