Abstract
The c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane protein which is homologous to the epidermal growth factor receptor. This protein can be localized immunohistochemically in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material using a monoclonal antibody NCL-CB11; positive membrane staining correlates with gene amplification and protein overexpression in breast cancer. Using this technique we have shown that only 2/26 (8%) of hepatocellular carcinomas, 0/10 (0%) of cholangiocarcinomas and 0/2 (0%) hepatoblastomas overexpressed c-erbB-2 as evidenced by membrane staining. Moreover c-erbB-2 mRNA was not detected in seven hepatocellular carcinomas examined by Northern blot analysis. c-erbB-2 overexpression is, therefore, unlikely to be contributing to the malignant phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adenoma, Bile Duct / genetics*
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Adenoma, Bile Duct / pathology
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Adult
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Aged
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Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / genetics*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
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Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
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Female
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Gene Expression
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
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Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis
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Humans
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Infant
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Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
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Liver Neoplasms / pathology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / analysis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
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Proto-Oncogenes*
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification
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RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
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RNA, Neoplasm / isolation & purification
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Receptor, ErbB-2
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alpha-Fetoproteins / analysis
Substances
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
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Hepatitis B e Antigens
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MAS1 protein, human
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Neoplasm
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alpha-Fetoproteins
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Receptor, ErbB-2