Abstract
The proto-oncogene c-kit encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that is thought to play an important role in hematopoiesis, spermatogenesis, and melanogenesis. We previously showed that the c-kit messenger RNA is preferentially expressed in small cell lung cancer and that its ligand, stem cell factor, is expressed in a broad spectrum of human cancers. Using anti-c-kit antisera raised against synthetic peptides, in situ localization of the c-kit protein in various human solid tumors as well as in corresponding fetal and adult normal tissues was studied by the ABC method. The results suggest that the c-kit gene products may be involved in the pathogenesis of a very restricted subset of human solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer. Interestingly, nuclear protein immunologically related to c-kit was found in both normal and neoplastic medullary cells of the adrenal gland.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / chemistry*
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / genetics
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
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Adrenal Glands / chemistry
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Adrenal Glands / pathology
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Adult
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Antibody Specificity
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Breast Neoplasms / chemistry
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / chemistry*
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / genetics
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
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Fetus
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Humans
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Immune Sera / chemistry
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Lung Neoplasms / chemistry*
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Lung Neoplasms / genetics
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Lung Neoplasms / pathology
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Pheochromocytoma / chemistry*
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Pheochromocytoma / genetics
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Pheochromocytoma / pathology
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / analysis*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / immunology
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit
Substances
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Immune Sera
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MAS1 protein, human
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit