Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and K-Ras in Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kraunz K S, Nelson H H, Liu M, Wiencke J K, Kelsey K T
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Concurrent BMP inactivation and oncogenic k-ras mutation would be important in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Conclusion
The study found that BMP3b and BMP6 genes are commonly inactivated in NSCLC and their concurrent inactivation is significantly associated with k-ras mutations.
Supporting Evidence
- 57% of NSCLCs were methylated at the BMP3b gene promoter.
- 43% of NSCLCs were methylated at the BMP6 gene promoter.
- 52% of cases with BMP3b methylation also had BMP6 methylation.
- Concurrent methylation of BMP3b and BMP6 was significantly associated with k-ras mutation.
Takeaway
This study shows that two important genes in lung cancer can be turned off together, and when that happens, it often goes hand in hand with a specific mutation that makes cancer grow faster.
Methodology
The study involved testing fresh tumor DNA for BMP3b and BMP6 methylation in newly diagnosed patients with resectable lung cancer.
Limitations
The study only included patients with resectable lung cancer and excluded those with recurrent disease or nonoperable tumors.
Participant Demographics
Patients were newly diagnosed with resectable lung cancer, with data on tobacco use and occupational asbestos exposure collected.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 2.0–17.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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