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Title: Frequency and spectrum of mutations at codons 12 and 13 of the C-K-ras gene in human tumors

Journal Article · · Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.9193125· OSTI ID:6100100
; ; ;  [1]
  1. California Institute of Biological Research, La Jolla (United States)

The frequency of point mutations at codons 12 and 13 of the c-K-ras gene has been determined in a panel of more than 400 human tumors. Mutant c-K-ras genes were detected in about 75% of adenocarcinomas of the pancreas; 40% of adenomas and carcinomas of the colon and rectum; 30% of carcinomas of the bile duct; 25% of carcinomas of the lung, and in lower frequency in other carcinomas, including liver, stomach, and kidney. No mutations were found in carcinomas of the breast, prostate, esophagus, and gall bladder, among others. Comparative analysis of the spectrum of mutations show that while G to A transitions were the most frequent mutations in pancreatic and colo-rectal tumors, G to T transversions were more prevalent in lung carcinomas. The aspartic acid mutation at codon 13 (GGC {r arrow} GAC) was relatively frequent in colo-rectal tumors but rare in pancreatic and lung carcinomas. The differences in the mutation spectrum of the c-K-ras gene in cancers of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts are suggestive of differential exposure to genotoxic agents.

OSTI ID:
6100100
Journal Information:
Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Vol. 93; ISSN 0091-6765
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English