Technical Notes
EGFR mRNA overexpression
Clinical Significance:
EGFR is a proto-oncogene localized on chromosome 7 that encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase human epidermal
growth factor receptor protein. The receptor mediates the biological signal of EGF, TGF-alpha and amphiregulin
growth factors. Binding of the ligand induces induction of the tyrosine kinase activity, stimulation of cell DNA
synthesis and cell proliferation. Overexpression of the protein is seen in breast carcinomas (1),
glioblastomas (2), ovarian (3),
endometrial, pancreatic (4)
and gastric carcinomas (5).
RT-PCR for detection of EGFR mRNA is one of the most sensitive methods available for studying its overexpression. It is generally accepted that there is a significant correlation between overexpression of EGFR protein and gene amplification with an adverse clinical outcome (6).
Methodology:
Minor groove binder (MGB) with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) has been utilized to develop a quantitative, Real Time PCR based assay for the ultrasensitive detection and quantitation of EGFR mRNA overexpression.References:
1) Gerdes A.M., Nielson O., Mohr U. et al (1998) Anticancer Res. 18 (4A), 2529.2) Yoon K.S., Lee M.C., Kang S.S. et al (2001) J. Korean Med. Sci. 16 (4), 481.
3) Csokay B., Papp J., Besznyak I. et al (1993) Eur. J. Surg. Oncol. 19 (6), 593.
4) Visser C.J., Bruggink A.H., Korc M. et al (1996) Carcinogenesis Apr 17 (4), 779.
5) Slesak B., Harlozinska A., Porebska I. et al (1998) Anticancer Res. 18 (4A), 2727.
6) Poch B., Gansauge F., Schwarz A. et al (2001) Pancreas Oct 23 (3), 280.