PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Genes, APC”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Rapid RT-PCR-based protein truncation test in the screening for 5' located mutations of the APC gene.

Although in vitro protein synthesis is a rapid method to screen for translational stops in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, truncating mutations at the 5' most end are at risk of being overseen due to their small size. The authors describe a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based protein truncation test specifically designed for detecting truncated polypeptide chains of less than 10 kDa. Using this detection system, three novel germline mutations in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients were identified, i.e. a Gly101 Ter non-sense mutation in exon 3, an exon 4 splice acceptor mutation and a 555delC deletion in exon 5. Morever, a patient manifesting congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigmented epithelium (CHPRE) was detected with an Arg232Ter mutation in exon 6. This is, to the authors' knowledge, the fourth exception to the rule that FAP patients manifesting CHRPE harbour genetic alternations downstream from APC exon 9. Hence, an alternative hotspot for non-sense mutations associated with CHRPE appears to encompass the codons 215, 216 and 232. Patients reported in this study, exhibited relatively mild clinical symptoms with respect to the age of onset of malignancy (> 50 years of age) and the number of polyps (70-100 adenomas). However, manifestation of severe duodenal adenomatosis was independent of the attenuated colorectal FAP phenotype.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Rapid colorectal adenoma formation initiated by conditional targeting of the Apc gene.

Familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) is a disease characterized by the development of multiple colorectal adenomas, and affected individuals carry germline mutations in the APC gene. With the use of a conditional gene targeting system, a mouse model of FAP was created that circumvents the embryonic lethality of Apc deficiency and directs Apc inactivation specifically to the colorectal epithelium. loxP sites were inserted into the introns around Apc exon 14, and the resultant mutant allele (Apc580S) was introduced into the mouse germline. Mice homozygous for Apc580S were normal; however, upon infection of the colorectal region with an adenovirus encoding the Cre recombinase, the mice developed adenomas within 4 weeks. The adenomas showed deletion of Apc exon 14, indicating that the loss of Apc function was caused by Cre-loxP-mediated recombination.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Rapid detection of rare variants and common polymorphisms in the APC gene by PCR-SSCP for presymptomatic diagnosis and showing allele loss.

During the course of screening the 5' half of exon 15 of the APC gene for germline and somatic mutations in two groups of patients, those with the inherited cancer prone syndrome adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) or with sporadic colorectal cancer, we have identified a number of intragenic changes that are not associated with the disease phenotype. Four of these changes are rare variants, each confined to one or two families and not detected in 50 additional unrelated people. Two common polymorphisms, at codon 1493 (exon 15I) and codon 1678 (exon 15J), were extensively investigated and found to be in almost complete linkage disequilibrium not only with each other but with a previously described polymorphism at codon 1960 (exon 15N). The rapid and sensitive single strand conformation assay used provides an efficient method for presymptomatic diagnosis using intragenic variants and was additionally used to show allele loss at the APC locus in sporadic colorectal carcinomas.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Genetic analysis of the APC gene in Taiwanese familial adenomatous polyposis.

Colorectal cancer has become the third leading cause of death from cancer in Taiwan. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by the presence of multiple adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. The gene responsible for FAP (APC) was cloned in 1991. Extensive analyses of the mutation spectra in FAP kindreds have been performed in different countries, but the results have been highly variable (30-80%). In this study, we used denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) followed by automatic sequencing in an effort to establish the mutation spectrum of APC from DNA of peripheral blood cells. Among the 6 FAP probands analyzed, mutations were detected in 3 (50%), 2 of which were novel. The first novel mutation was at codon 2166, with a C to T transition, resulting in a stop codon. The second novel mutation was at codon 1971, with a C to G transversion, resulting in an amino acid change from serine to cysteine. The third mutation involved an A insertion in the sequence of -AAAAAA- at codons 1554-1556, which created a downstream stop codon (codon 1558). This study is the first to report mutation analysis in Taiwanese FAP probands.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Hepatoblastoma and APC gene mutation in familial adenomatous polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatoblastoma is a rare, rapidly progressive, usually fatal childhood malignancy, which if confined to the liver can be cured by radical surgical resection. An association between hepatoblastoma and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which is due to germline mutation of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene, has been confirmed, but correlation with site of APC mutation has not been studied. AIM: To analyse the APC mutational spectrum in FAP families with hepatoblastoma as a possible basis to select kindreds for surveillance. PATIENTS: Eight patients with hepatoblastoma in seven FAP kindreds were compared with 97 families with identified APC gene mutation in a large Registry. METHODS: APC gene mutation was evaluated by RNase protection assay or in vitro synthesis protein assay. The chi 2 test and correlation were used for data analysis. RESULTS: APC gene mutation was identified in all seven FAP kindreds in which an at risk member developed hepatoblastoma. A male predominance was noted (six of eight), similar to literature cases (18 of 25, p < 0.01. Mutations were restricted to codons 141 to 1230, but no significant difference in site of mutation between pedigrees with and without hepatoblastoma was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoblastoma occurs primarily in boys in FAP kindreds and is associated with germline APC mutation in the 5' end of the gene. However, the site of APC mutation cannot be used to predict occurrence of this extracolonic cancer in FAP pedigrees.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Mice carrying a truncated Apc gene have diminished gastric epithelial proliferation, gastric inflammation, and humoral immunity in response to Helicobacter felis infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection and adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) gene mutations have been linked to gastric cancer in humans, but possible synergistic interaction(s) between these risk factors have not been examined. Fourteen C57BL/6 wild-type and 14 Apc1638 heterozygous mice were inoculated with Helicobacter felis at 6 weeks of age and compared at various time points with a similar number of uninfected control mice of the same genotype. Both infected and uninfected Apc1638 mice had a limited incidence of atypical proliferation foci in the mucosa of the antrum and pyloric junction at 4.5 and 6 months of age, whereas polyps of the antrum and pylorus were present in all mice, regardless of infection status, at 7.5 months. In contrast, no altered gastric mucosal foci were observed in control or infected C57BL/6 mice at any time point. Interestingly, the infected Apc1638 mice had less epithelial proliferation and inflammation in the body of the stomach, lower anti-H. felis serum IgG antibody responses (although both the wild-type and Apc mutant mice had a Th1-like immune response, based on a predominantly IgG2a immunoglobulin response), and higher bacteria and urease scores than did infected wild-type C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, the Apc1638 truncating mutation leads to gastric dysplasia and polyposis of the antrum and pyloric junction, but H. felis infection of the Apc mutant mouse does not lead to an increased rate of gastric neoplasia. In addition, our data suggest this Apc mutation may actually lead to decreased immune, inflammatory, and gastric hyperplastic responses to Helicobacter infection, suggesting the possibility of a novel role for this tumor suppressor gene in the immune and local tissue responses to gastric bacterial infection.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Adrenocortical tumor in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis: a case associated with a complete inactivating mutation of the APC gene and unusual histological features.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by a germline inactivating mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Patients with FAP sometimes develop various extracolonic manifestations including adrenocortical neoplasms. We present a 14-year-old boy with FAP who had an adrenocortical tumor with atypical histopathologic features, ie, sex-cord-like differentiation. Immunohistochemical studies of adrenal 4 binding protein (Ad4BP) and steroidogenic enzymes showed the capacity of these tumor cells to produce steroids. Genetic analysis of the tumor disclosed a two-hit mutation in APC: a germline 5-base pair deletion accompanied by a loss of the normal allele. Because there were no reports of genetic alterations in adrenocortical tumors developed in FAP patients, we examined 10 sporadic adrenal tumors (four carcinomas and six adenomas) for mutations in APC. However, no mutations were found in these 10 sporadic adrenal tumors. These results suggest that mutation of APC is also responsible for some fraction of the adrenocortical tumors: the tumor in this case is included.

Adenoma↗

Prevalence of the I1307K APC gene variant in Israeli Jews of differing ethnic origin and risk for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Israeli Jews of European birth, i.e., Ashkenazim, have the highest colorectal cancer incidence of any Israeli ethnic group. The I1307K APC gene variant was found in 6.1% of American Jews, 28% of their familial colorectal cancer cases, but not in non-Jews. We assessed the I1307K prevalence in Israeli Jews of differing ethnic origin and risk for colorectal cancer. METHODS: DNA samples from 500 unrelated Jews of European or non-European origin, with or without a personal and/or family history of neoplasia, were examined for the I1307K variant by the allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) method. RESULTS: In persons at average risk for colorectal cancer, I1307K was found in 5.0% of 120 European and 1.6% of 188 non-European Jews (P = 0.08). It occurred in 15.4% of 52 Ashkenazi Israelis with familial cancer (P = 0.02) and was not detected in 51 non-European Jews at increased cancer risk. Colorectal neoplasia occurred personally or in the families of 13 of 20 Ashkenazi I1307K carriers, 8 of whom also had a personal or family history of noncolonic neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The I1307K APC variant may represent a susceptibility gene for colorectal, or other, cancers in Ashkenazi Jews, and partially explains the higher incidence of colorectal cancer in European Israelis.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Characterization of two novel adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) manifest numerous colorectal adenomas as well as benign and malignant extra-colonic lesions. Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations are the underlying genetic defect in FAP. We analyzed germline DNA of 81 unrelated FAP patients and evaluated correlation of APC mutation genotype and clinical phenotype. Germline APC mutations were identified in 18 FAP patients including two novel 2 bp deletions at APC codons 1067 and 1259. FAP patients were screened for hypertrophic ocular fundus lesions, desmoids and peri-ampullary adenomas. As reported previously (Olshwang et al 1993b), a positive correlation for the frequency of retinal lesions and germline APC mutation was observed among all FAP patients except one. No significant correlation was observed for APC mutation genotype and the occurrence of desmoids and peri-ampullary adenomas. Genetic factors contributing to familial segregation of these lesions need further investigation.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

No involvement of APC gene mutations in ulcerative colitis-associated rat colon carcinogenesis induced by 1-hydroxyanthraquinone and methylazoxymethanol acetate.

A rat model for human ulcerative colitis (UC) has been developed by using 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (1-HA) to cause severe inflammation of colonic mucosa. 1-HA also has synergistic effects on the carcinogenicity of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate in the rat colon. In this study, four adenomas and 16 adenocarcinomas induced in male F344 rats by 1-HA and MAM acetate were examined for mutations in the entire coding regions and introns flanking coding exons of the APC gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and PCR-restriction-SSCP analyses. No mutations were found. These results, together with our previous observations of a relative lack of Ki-ras gene mutations in the same tumors, are similar to those found in human UC-associated colon cancer, suggest a common pathway in these two systems, although they are different in their implication of p53 mutations. Therefore, this model may have some relevance and application to the study of colon cancer in human inflammatory bowel disease, which is not associated with APC mutations or with Ki-ras or p53 mutations.

Animals↗

Alternative splicing of the APC gene in the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is associated with an inherited predisposition to human familial adenomatous polyposis coli, suggesting that expression of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor may regulate RPE proliferation/differentiation. Distinctive APC isoforms exist in different cell types due to alternative splicing of the APC transcripts. We hypothesize that differences in expression patterns of APC protein isoforms are critical to RPE proliferation/differentiation. METHODS: To investigate these relationships, APC gene expression was characterized in the retinas and RPE from fetal and adult human and mouse, and in the epiretinal membranes (ERM) from 5 patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Expression patterns of alternative splice-forms of APC transcripts were evaluated by comparative quantitative RT-PCR. Exon 1 of APC encodes a heptad repeat that confers the ability of APC to homodimerize. APC protein isoforms containing or lacking this heptad were characterized by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Comparative quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated a predominant exon 1 containing, conventional APC splice-form in the early developing fetal RPE and retina, and in all the tested ERM samples from patients with PVR. This method also demonstrated an increased level of exon 1 lacking APC splice-form in the mature RPE and retina. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated the conventional APC only in the RPE, and the APC isoform without the first heptad repeat in both the retina and RPE. Immunofluorescence microscopy also demonstrated only the conventional APC in the ERM samples tested. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that alternative splicing of APC leads to differential APC expression with potentially unique functions. APC isoform without the first heptad repeat may play a role in cell cycle cessation in the adult retina and RPE, and the down regulation of this APC isoform may contribute to the potential of RPE to migrate and proliferate.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Somatic mutation of the APC gene in gastric cancer: frequent mutations in very well differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma.

We searched for somatic mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene in DNA samples isolated from 57 sporadic gastric cancers, by means of a ribonuclease (RNase) protection analysis coupled with DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examining 30% of the APC coding region, including a region where somatic mutations in colorectal tumors are known to be clustered, we detected somatic mutations in 12 tumors; seven in 17 very well differentiated adenocarcinomas, two in 19 well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, and three in ten signet-ring cell carcinomas. So far, no somatic mutations have been identified in 11 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. Eight of the 17 somatic mutations found in 12 tumors caused truncation of the gene product due to a nonsense mutation and a 1-, 2- or 5-bp deletion; nine others were point mutations that altered amino acids. Our results suggest that inactivation of APC plays a role in development of some gastric cancers, particularly very well differentiated adenocarcinomas and signet-ring cell carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are uncommon in sporadic desmoid tumours.

Desmoids are locally aggressive, non-metastasizing soft-tissue tumours, whose aetiology is still unclear. In patients affected with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), the incidence of desmoids is much higher than in the general population. The APC gene, which is responsible for FAP, is involved in the development of desmoids associated with this syndrome. In this study 16 sporadic and four FAP-related desmoids were analysed in order to investigate the possible involvement of APC in non-syndromic cases also. The 5' end (exons 1-11) and the coding portion of exon 15 of APC were screened using the in vitro synthesized-protein assay (IVSP). Exons 5, 6, 8-14, and a region of exon 15 spanning codons 1036-1634 were investigated by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. APC germline mutations were identified in all FAP patients, but not in sporadic cases. Somatic mutations were found in three FAP-associated desmoids (75%) and two sporadic tumours (12.5%). In one of the latter cases, both alleles were affected. These findings indicate a limited role of the gene in the development of desmoid tumours outside FAP.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

The APC gene product associates with microtubules in vivo and promotes their assembly in vitro.

Defects in the APC gene occur frequently in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli and are associated with the progression of sporadic tumors of the colon and stomach. We examined the subcellular location of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein resulting from transient expression of full length and partial APC complementary DNAs in epithelial cells. Immunofluorescent detection revealed an association of APC with cytoplasmic microtubules. Expression of partial complementary DNA constructs indicated that the carboxy-terminal region of the APC protein, typically deleted in cancers, is essential for this association. The same APC polypeptides that associated with microtubules in vivo also dramatically promoted their assembly in vitro. These results suggest that wild-type APC protein binds to and affects the assembly of microtubules, whereas the mutants identified in tumors have lost this activity.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Germ-line mutations of the APC gene in 53 familial adenomatous polyposis patients.

We searched for germ-line mutations of the APC gene in 79 unrelated patients with familial adenomatous polyposis using a ribonuclease protection analysis coupled with polymerase chain reaction amplifications of genomic DNA. Mutations were found in 53 patients (67%); 28 of the mutations were small deletions and 2 were 1- to 2-base-pair insertions; 19 were point mutations resulting in stop codons and only 4 were missense point mutations. Thus, 92% of the mutations were predicted to result in truncations of the APC protein. More than two-thirds (68%) of the mutations were clustered in the 5' half of the last exon, and nearly two-fifths of the total mutations occurred at one of five positions. This information has significant implications for understanding the role of APC mutation in inherited forms of colorectal neoplasia and for designing effective methods for genetic counseling and presymptomatic diagnosis.

Adenoma↗

p53 and APC gene mutations: software and databases.

A large number of different mutations in the APC and p53 tumor suppressor genes have been identified in various types of cancer. This substantial increase since our previous reports can enable analyses which were not previously possible. In order to capture all these new data, the software permitting analysis has been improved. This report describes the various improvements since the second release of the database.

Databases, Factual↗

Exclusion of the APC gene as the cause of a variant form of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a premalignant disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, characterized by hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colorectal tract. Recently, the syndrome has been shown to be caused by mutations in the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene located on chromosome 5q21. We studied two families that both presented a phenotype different than that of the classical form of FAP. The most important findings observed in these two kindreds are (a) low and variable number of colonic polyps (from 5 to 100) and (b) a slower evolution of the disease, with colon cancer occurring at a more advanced age than in FAP in spite of the early onset of intestinal manifestations. To determine whether mutations of the APC gene are also responsible for this variant syndrome, linkage studies were performed by using a series of markers both intragenic and tightly linked to the APC gene. The results provide evidence for exclusion of the APC gene as the cause of the variant form of polyposis present in the two families described.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Multiple products in the protein truncation test due to alternative splicing in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene.

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based analyses of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene encompassing exons 1-15 revealed a complex pattern of products that were due to alternative splicing of exons 9, 10A and 14. The multiplicity of polypeptide chains obtained from T7-promoter-directed in vitro translation of the RT-PCR product pool was confirmed immunochemically to correspond to the mRNA isoforms, but not to represent products of internal initiation of translation. This observation is of particular relevance for the diagnostic protein truncation test (PTT), since this assay will pick up mRNA variants derived from physiological splice events, e.g., skipping of exons 9, 10A and 14. In vitro-translated proteins of reduced molecular weight were therefore detectable in healthy individuals. We extended this observation to the PTT of cDNA encompassing APC exons 1-14 of familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Knowledge of the normal polypeptide pattern seen in the diagnostic in vitro translation assay allowed us not only to identify translational stop mutations, but even to detect a splice acceptor mutation of exon 14 as a result of quantitative changes of the isoform pattern. Western immuno blot analysis on protein extracts of Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized lymphocytes of the same patients revealed that mutations accessible to the RT-PCR PTT yield intracellularly undetectable APC proteins.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗