Expression of the tumor suppressor gene, p53, during the development of murine malignant mesotheliomas induced by asbestos fibers

Conference · Fri Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1991 · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States)

OSTI ID:5172651

Cora, E; Kane, A ^[1]

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1. Brown Univ., Providence, RI (United States)

Malignant mesotheliomas are rare tumors arising from the pleural or peritoneal lining after exposure to asbestos fibers. As a model system for human occupational exposure, C57B1/6 mice received weekly intraperitoneal injections of 200 {mu}g of crocidolite asbestos fibers. Tumors developed in 30-40% of mice after 30-60 weeks. Discrete morphologic stages in the development of malignant mesotheliomas have been identified: reactive mesothelial cells after 1-6 wks., dysplastic cells after 12-22 wks., neoplastic cells after 30-40 wks., and metastasizing cells after 40-50 wks. Cell lines have been established corresponding to each of these morphologic stages and probed for altered expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Using Northern blot analysis, four cell lines derived from neoplastic and invasive tumors showed absent or reduced expression of p53 mRNA in contrast to nontumorigenic cell lines derived from reactive mesothelial cells. Southern blot analysis revealed no rearrangement of the p53 gene after digestion with the restriction enzyme BamHI. It is hypothesized that point mutations in the p53 gene are correlated with neoplastic progression in this model system.

• OSTI ID: 5172651
• Report Number(s): CONF-9104107--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States) Journal Volume: 5:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ASBESTOS
CARCINOGENESIS
EXPERIMENTAL NEOPLASMS
GENE MUTATIONS
GENE REGULATION
GENES
MAMMALS
MESSENGER-RNA
MICE
MUTATIONS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ONCOGENES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PATHOGENESIS
RNA
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES