Illegitimate villin transcripts in normal bone marrow precludes detection of colon cancer micrometastases

Int J Biol Markers. 2000 Jan-Mar;15(1):41-3.

Abstract

Villin is a specific marker for normal and tumoral colon tissue. We have developed a highly sensitive assay using reverse transcription (RT) and real-time PCR to detect villin transcripts. The sensitivity of detection is one colon cancer cell. However, high levels of illegitimate villin transcripts were observed in normal bone marrow, precluding the use of villin RT-PCR for routine detection of colon cancer cells in bone marrow of patients with colon cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Bone Marrow / pathology*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Microfilament Proteins / analysis
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • villin