Summary:
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) occurs sporadically (sMTC) or as part of the inherited
cancer syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). While the occurence
of the MEN 2 syndrome is associated with mutations in the RET protooncogene, the reason
for carcinogenesis in sMTC still remains unclear.
Ras is a frequently mutated oncogene in a broad spectrum of human tumors and has been
found in about 50% of follicular, papillary or anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. The
purpose of this study was to determine, whether mutations in the ras oncogene could
play a possible role in the carcinogenesis of sMTC.
In this study we analyzed 15 sMTC for mutations in the hotspots codon 12, 13 and 61
of the H- and K-ras oncogene. We used the direct sequencing technique. In none of
the examined tumors we were able to detect a mutation in the codon 12, 13 and 61 of
the H-ras and K-ras oncogene.
Based upon these results, we conclude that H- and K-ras do not play an important role
in the carcinogenesis of sMTC.
Key words:
ras oncogene - sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma - multiple endocrine neoplasia
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