Germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene in pedigree with MEN type 2A: DNA analysis and its implications for pediatric surgery

Abstract

To assess the feasibility of screening for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A), the authors used DNA sequence analysis to evaluate the RET proto-oncogene in a kindred with MEN 2A. The kindred consisted of 95 members (1 to 79 years of age) and their spouses, and spanned five generations. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes or lymphoblastoid cell lines established from the family members, and the RET gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using RET-specific primers (10q11.2) and was sequenced. Periodic endocrine screening also was performed, by measuring the plasma calcitonin concentration after provocation with pentagastrin (0.5 μg/kg intravenously) to assess its reliability for detecting the associated neoplasms. Nineteen patients were confirmed to have MEN 2A by medical records or the screening program. The DNA sequence of the PCR products from clinically established MEN 2A patients showed a mutation at codon 634 (TGC → CGC) that resulted in an amino acid change from cysteine to arginine. Endocrine screening tests showed that six other family members had a mutated RET proto-oncogene. DNA sequencing can detect high-risk cases at a preclinical stage of the disease. The establishment of mutated MEN 2A gene carriers allows pediatric surgeons to consider total thyroidectomy at a very early stage of neoplasm development (C-cell hyperplasia) or even prophylactically.