Mutations In NRAS Genes Research Articles

Mutations of the N-ras gene in juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia

Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML), a myeloproliferative disorder of childhood, is distinct from adult-type chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and bears resemblance to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL). Since mutations in the N-ras gene have been found at high frequencies in CMMoL, but only rarely in CML, we analyzed mutations activating the N-ras gene in 20 patients with JCML. We used the strategy for analysis of gene mutations based on in vitro DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by single- strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and/or direct sequence analysis. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed single nucleotide substitutions involving codons 12, 13, or 61 in six of 20 patients (30%). Four of six patients with mutations were in chronic phase and the other two in blast crisis, indicating no apparent correlation with disease stage. Most of the patients with mutations were in the older age group with poor prognosis, although one patient in the younger age group also harbored the mutation. These data suggest that N-ras gene mutations may be involved in the pathogenesis and/or prognosis of JCML and provide further evidence that JCML is an entity distinct from CML.

Aneuploidy and high S-phase as biomarkers of poor clinical outcome in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic influence of DNA flow cytometry and RAS gene mutations in patients with poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). The series consisted of 26 patients with PDTC and ATC, and a median follow-up of 10 months (range 1-138). DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) were assessed by flow cytometry on frozen samples. RAS point mutations were detected using PCR techniques. Disease staging and tumour angioinvasion were included as prognostic parameters for survival analysis. Nineteen patients (73.1%) succumbed to the disease (median time 5 months; range 1-45). Eighteen tumours (69.2%) were classified as DNA aneuploid. Median SPF was 5.6% (range 1.9-23.1), which was used as a cut-off value to distinguish between low versus high cell proliferation. Three of 20 (15%) patients presented N-RAS gene mutations in codon 61. DNA aneuploidy was most frequently found in female patients (p=0.034). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses showed that only DNA aneuploidy (p=0.044 and p=0.055, respectively) and high SPF (p=0.001 and p=0.006, respectively) significantly correlated with worse survival. The results indicate that aneuploidy and high SPF are biomarkers of poor clinical outcome in PDTC and ATC, which may provide useful prognostic information with a potentially therapeutic impact in patient management.

Occurrence of point mutations in p53 gene is not increased in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia carrying an activating N-ras mutation.

The frequency of simultaneously detecting N-ras and p53 gene mutations was studied in leukaemia cells of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Using in vitro DNA amplification followed by oligonucleotide hybridization analysis, 45 AML and six MDS patients were screened for activating mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61 of N-ras. Ten of them (eight AML and two MDS) were found positive. These 10 patients and 10 others without activating N-ras mutation were further analysed by direct sequencing of the amplified exons for p53 mutations and for atypical N-ras mutations. Beside the activating mutations in the N-ras gene, no additional transforming or nontransforming mutations could be detected in the N-ras. However, exon 7 of p53 was mutated in two AML patients without activating N-ras mutation. These data show that p53 mutations occurred with half the frequency of N-ras mutations in AML and that no positive correlation could be found between the onset of mutations in N-ras and p53 genes.

Mutations of the p53 Gene in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and MDS-Derived Leukemia

The p53 gene is currently thought to be a tumor suppressor gene, and its alterations have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies, including some leukemias and lymphomas. We present here evidence for the possible involvement of p53 gene mutations in the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), although the incidence is relatively low. Forty-four patients with MDS and six patients with overt leukemias that developed from MDS were studied for p53 gene alterations using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, and nucleotide sequencing. Three patients with MDS (2 RAEB and 1 RAEB in T) had missense point mutations in the conserved regions of the p53 coding sequence. Furthermore, expression of the wild-type p53 mRNA was not detected in these three patients. The probable absence of normal p53 function in the three cases studied here suggests that alterations in the p53 gene may occasionally play a role in MDS. These three MDS patients with p53 gene mutations and an MDS-derived erythroleukemia cell line that we had previously reported to carry a p53 gene mutation showed no N-ras gene mutations, suggesting heterogeneity in the oncogenic mechanism of MDS.

Mutations of the p53 gene in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and MDS- derived leukemia

The p53 gene is currently thought to be a tumor suppressor gene, and its alterations have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies, including some leukemias and lymphomas. We present here evidence for the possible involvement of p53 gene mutations in the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), although the incidence is relatively low. Forty-four patients with MDS and six patients with overt leukemias that developed from MDS were studied for p53 gene alterations using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, and nucleotide sequencing. Three patients with MDS (2 RAEB and 1 RAEB in T) had missense point mutations in the conserved regions of the p53 coding sequence. Furthermore, expression of the wild-type p53 mRNA was not detected in these three patients. The probable absence of normal p53 function in the three cases studied here suggests that alterations in the p53 gene may occasionally play a role in MDS. These three MDS patients with p53 gene mutations and an MDS-derived erythroleukemia cell line that we had previously reported to carry a p53 gene mutation showed no N-ras gene mutations, suggesting heterogeneity in the oncogenic mechanism of MDS.

The value of measurement of RAS oncogenes and nuclear DNA analysis in the diagnosis of Hürthle cell tumors of the thyroid

Hürthle cell tumors (HCT) remain difficult to treat because some which appear non-malignant on light microscopy later metastasize. In order to improve diagnostic accuracy, the value of ras mutations and nuclear DNA analysis was determined in 65 patients with HCT. Rapid nuclear DNA cytometry (MicroTICAS system) was performed. Mutations of H-ras, K-ras, and N-ras genes were analyzed by oligonucleotide probe hybridizations to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified DNA. HCT were classified by light microscopy as benign (n = 22), intermediate (n = 30), and malignant (n = 13). After a mean follow-up of 7 years, 1 (4.5%) of 22 benign tumors and 4 (13%) of 30 intermediate tumors had metastasized, leading to tumor death in 3 of these 5 patients. Six of the 13 cancers diagnosed by light microscopy also resulted in tumor-related deaths. Aneuploidy was found in 83% of all Hürthle cell cancers, including 3 (60%) of the 5 cancers not diagnosed microscopically. However, 49% of non-malignant HCT also demonstrated aneuploidy. A nuclear area of less than 55 square microns was found in 83% of all Hürthle cell cancers and in 100% of those cancers not diagnosed by light microscopy. However, 47% of non-malignant HCT also demonstrated a "small" nuclear area. Aneuploidy correctly identified 8 of 9 cancers that resulted in tumor death and each of 3 other tumors that developed metastases. However, 1 patient with a diploid tumor died of metastatic cancer. A nuclear area of less than 55 square microns identified each cancer that resulted in a tumor death.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Point mutation analysis of ras genes in spontaneous and chemically induced C57Bl/10J mouse liver tumours.

The high incidence and profile of ras gene mutations reported in spontaneous and chemically induced liver tumours of the B6C3F1 mouse provides a potential means of determining in vivo genotoxicity and its relevance to carcinogenicity. We analysed spontaneous and chemically induced [with 4-amino-biphenyl (ABP), 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)] hepatocellular tumours of the C57Bl/10J mouse for H-ras, K-ras and N-ras gene mutations to see if mutational analysis of the ras genes could be useful for such a determination in this strain. Regions of DNA spanning codons 12, 13 and 61 of the ras genes were amplified from formalin fixed liver tumour sections using the polymerase chain reaction. Mutations were detected using allele specific oligonucleotide probing and confirmed by sequencing. We have found that there are few ras mutations in either spontaneous or chemically induced liver tumours in the C57Bl/10J mouse. Out of 25 spontaneous tumours two contained an A to T transversion and one contained an A to G transition in base 2 of H-ras codon 61 and two contained a G to A transition in base 2 of K-ras codon 13 (the K-ras mutations were only faintly detectable and may be present in a subpopulation of the tumour cells). In the case of the 18 ABP induced tumours one contained a C to A transversion in base 1 of H-ras codon 61, and one contained an A to T transversion in base 2 of H-ras codon 61 and one contained a G to C transversion in base 1 of K-ras codon 13. One C to A transversion in base 1 of H-ras codon 61 was detected out of eight AAF induced tumours. Of the 25 DEN induced tumours, one contained an A to G transition and one contained an A to C transversion in base 2 of H-ras codon 61. The data indicate that at least in hepatocellular tumours of the C57Bl/10J strain and using chronic dosing regimes the ras genes do not represent markers for in vivo genotoxic activity.

Analysis of N‐ras gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia by allele specific restriction analysis

N-ras gene activation occurs via single base substitutions in codons 12, 13, and 61. We have developed a rapid screening method, termed allele specific restriction analysis (ASRA), for detection of N-ras mutations at these three critical codons in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patient DNA samples are amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by using primers that induce restriction sites in normal but not mutant N-ras alleles. We have used ASRA to identify 5 point mutations in four out of 19 patients at initial presentation of de novo AML. Three patients had one mutation at codon 12, 13, or 61 respectively, while a fourth patient had concurrent mutations at codons 12 and 13. N-ras mutations were more common in patients over 65 years of age (P less than 0.04), but did not correlate with FAB classification, attainment of complete remission, disease free survival, or overall survival. ASRA can also be used as the first step in a more sensitive approach to the detection of ras mutations. When ASRA was combined with allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization the sensitivity and specificity of these assays were increased. This allowed identification of additional low level mutations in two patients. The data presented here constitute the first complete analysis of N-ras mutations in leukemia by ASRA and include the first identification of three concurrent N-ras mutations in a single leukemic patient. By facilitating sensitive sequential studies, ASRA should contribute to our understanding of the role of N-ras mutations in leukemogenesis.

Rapid Screening of Mutant N-ras Alleles by Analysis of PCR-Induced Restriction Sites: Allele Specific Restriction Analysis (ASRA)

We have developed a rapid screening method for analysis of codon 12, 13 and 61 N-ras gene mutations, since these mutations have been observed in approximately 25% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. The method, termed allele specific restriction analysis (ASRA), involves polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA or RNA using a mismatched primer which introduces appropriately positioned base substitutions in N-ras and creates a restriction site provided the adjacent sequence is normal. Simultaneous analysis of codons 12 and 61 is also possible by the use of a multiprimer reaction mixture. Resistance of the amplified product to digestion indicates the presence of a mutation in the original template. Since ASRA allows simultaneous analysis of mutant and wild type sequences in DNA and RNA, an estimate of the ratio of gene copies and relative expression of N-ras alleles can be obtained for heterozygous individuals.

59 Analysis of N-Ras gene mutations in medulloblastomas by polymerase chain reaction and oligonucleotide probes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues

Precise data on the incidence of transforming ras oncogenes in pediatric tumors and the correlations with the histo-pathological properties of the tumor are very limited. Additionally the presence of ras activation in medulloblastomas has not been investigated so far. Using a combination of techiques including specific in vitro gene amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Saiki R.K., 1985) and detection of single base mutations by sequence-specific oligonucleotides (SSO) (Farr C.J., 1988) we studied N-ras activation (mutations at codon 12, 13 and 61) in 32 medulloblastomas. DNA was isolated from 5-10 μm sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (according to Impraim C., 1987). Mutations were found in 3 of 32 examined medulloblastomas. In all cases only mutations of the codon 61 were found : the most frequent was a C-A at position 1 (substitution of a glutamine residue for a lysine). A mutation A-T at position 3 was present in the remaining case. The main advantage of the procedure described are its greatly improved sensitivity, the increased speed by wich tumor samples can be analysed, no longer necessary to use high-M.W DNA and the possibility to use paraffin-embedded sections to analyse various and rare tumors in retrospect.

The pattern of mutational involvement of RAS genes in human hematologic malignancies determined by DNA amplification and direct sequencing

DNA from 161 patients with various forms of hematologic malignancies were investigated for mutations in exons 1 and 2 of the N-RAS, K-RAS and Ha-RAS gene by direct sequencing of DNA amplified in vitro by the polymerase chain reaction. Mutations involving either codons 11, 12, or 13 of the N-RAS gene were identified in 18 of the 161 patients. The relative frequencies of N-RAS gene mutations in these hematologic disorders was as follows: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 15%; acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 14%; myelodysplastic syndromes, 24%; and myeloid and lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), 3%. No correlation was observed between the presence of mutations and cytologic features or immunophenotype of these malignancies. Mutations involving codons 12 or 13 were equally prevalent, with a glycine to aspartic acid substitution being the most frequently encountered change. A single T-ALL case had a codon 11 mutation resulting in substitution of alanine with threonine. We failed to find mutations in exons 1 and 2 of the K-RAS or Ha-RAS genes in any case except a single AML with a mutation in codon 61 of the K-RAS gene. Also, no mutations were identified in chronic phase of CML, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ph1 positive ALL, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or multiple myeloma. These results indicate that RAS mutations, especially those involving exon 1 of the N-RAS gene, are frequent only in a subset of hematologic malignancies.

The Pattern of Mutational Involvement of RAS Genes in Human Hematologic Malignancies Determined by DNA Amplification and Direct Sequencing

DNA from 161 patients with various forms of hematologic malignancies were investigated for mutations in exons 1 and 2 of the N-RAS, K-RAS and Ha-RAS gene by direct sequencing of DNA amplified in vitro by the polymerase chain reaction. Mutations involving either codons 11, 12, or 13 of the N-RAS gene were identified in 18 of the 161 patients. The relative frequencies of N-RAS gene mutations in these hematologic disorders was as follows: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 15%; acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 14%; myelodysplastic syndromes, 24%; and myeloid and lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), 3%. No correlation was observed between the presence of mutations and cytologic features or immunophenotype of these malignancies. Mutations involving codons 12 or 13 were equally prevalent, with a glycine to aspartic acid substitution being the most frequently encountered change. A single T-ALL case had a codon 11 mutation resulting in substitution of alanine with threonine. We failed to find mutations in exons 1 and 2 of the K-RAS or Ha-RAS genes in any case except a single AML with a mutation in codon 61 of the K-RAS gene. Also, no mutations were identified in chronic phase of CML, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ph1 positive ALL, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or multiple myeloma. These results indicate that RAS mutations, especially those involving exon 1 of the N-RAS gene, are frequent only in a subset of hematologic malignancies.

N-ras gene point mutations in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia correlate with a poor prognosis

Ras genes can be altered by point mutations at critical portions of their coding regions to acquire transforming ability in vitro. These point mutations have been detected in a variety of human malignancies. However, their relevance for the clinical and biologic behavior of the subgroups of patients exhibiting these mutations in unclear. We analyzed 100 patients with childhood acute lymphocytic leukemias (ALLs) for point mutations of exons 1 and 2 of all three ras genes (H-ras, K-ras, and N-ras) by polymerase chain reaction and a combination of oligonucleotide hybridization and direct DNA sequencing. A 6% incidence of N-ras gene mutations was detected, all of which occurred at different nucleotides of codons 12 or 13 of N-ras. When correlating presence of ras mutations with the clinical and biologic features and the clinical outcome of these cases, a significantly higher risk for hematologic relapse (P = .01) and a trend toward a lower rate of complete remission (P = .07) was noted. The two groups did not differ in any of the known high-risk factors of ALL. These results suggest that presence of an N-ras mutation in children with ALL may be an independent predictor for worse clinical outcome and therefore may have therapeutic implications; further studies to confirm these findings are required because of the small number of patients with N-ras mutations.

N-ras gene point mutations in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia correlate with a poor prognosis

Ras genes can be altered by point mutations at critical portions of their coding regions to acquire transforming ability in vitro. These point mutations have been detected in a variety of human malignancies. However, their relevance for the clinical and biologic behavior of the subgroups of patients exhibiting these mutations in unclear. We analyzed 100 patients with childhood acute lymphocytic leukemias (ALLs) for point mutations of exons 1 and 2 of all three ras genes (H-ras, K- ras, and N-ras) by polymerase chain reaction and a combination of oligonucleotide hybridization and direct DNA sequencing. A 6% incidence of N-ras gene mutations was detected, all of which occurred at different nucleotides of codons 12 or 13 of N-ras. When correlating presence of ras mutations with the clinical and biologic features and the clinical outcome of these cases, a significantly higher risk for hematologic relapse (P = .01) and a trend toward a lower rate of complete remission (P = .07) was noted. The two groups did not differ in any of the known high-risk factors of ALL. These results suggest that presence of an N-ras mutation in children with ALL may be an independent predictor for worse clinical outcome and therefore may have therapeutic implications; further studies to confirm these findings are required because of the small number of patients with N-ras mutations.

Alteration of N-ras gene mutation after relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We investigated N-ras activation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (dALL) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the oligonucleotide hybridization method. The frequency of point-mutation of the N-ras gene was not high (2 of 15), and one positive case who relapsed was analyzed in detail. Although N-ras gene activation was detected at both onset and relapse, the mutation sites were different. At onset, Gly (GGT) was changed to Ser (AGT) at codon 12, and at relapse, Gly (GGT) to Asp (GAT) was observed at the same codon. In addition, the DNA at relapse showed a remarkably higher transforming activity than the DNA at onset on two independent recipient cell lines. The identical cell surface phenotype and the same rearrangement patterns of both the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain and T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma chain genes indicated that the leukemic cells at onset and those at relapse were derived from the same precursor cell. Therefore, this case supports the concept that ras activation is not the event initiating leukemogenesis, but may be involved in leukemic progression.

Detection of preferential NRAS mutations in human male germ cell tumors by the polymerase chain reaction

We have studied 31 male germ cell tumors (GCTs) for probable mutations in codons 12, 13, and 61 of HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS oncogenes using the polymerase chain reaction. Twenty of the thirty-one tumors exhibited NRAS gene mutations, 14 in codon 61, and six in codon 12, whereas no mutations were detected in HRAS and KRAS genes. The NRAS mutations were equally prevalent in seminomatous and nonseminomatous GCTs. Thus 13 of 22 seminomas, six of seven embryonal carcinomas, and one of two mixed tumors exhibited mutations. Two non-seminomatous tumors (an embryonal carcinoma and a yolk sac/teratoma) had mutations in both codons 12 and 61. The high frequency of NRAS mutations observed in the present study suggests that NRAS gene products may play an important role in growth regulatory functions of premalignant and malignant germ cells.

Concomitant K- and N-ras gene point mutations in clonal murine lymphoma.

We have surveyed a panel of induced murine lymphomas for c-ras gene mutations. The K-ras gene seems to be preferentially activated in our system, and there are at least two examples of concomitant K- and N-ras gene mutations in the same tumor. This indicates that in some cases additional ras mutations may contribute to tumorigenesis and is evidence for a role of ras activation in tumor progression.