Abstract
Expression of PC2, a Kex2-related protease, and of one of its possible substrates, proenkephalin, was examined in normal adrenal glands (n = 7) and pheochromocytomas (n = 20). PC2 could only be detected in normal adrenal glands using the sensitive RT/PCR technique. By Northern blot, PC2 and proenkephalin were expressed in 85% and 90% of the 20 pheochromocytomas studied, respectively. Moreover, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of PC2 in human tumoral adrenal medullary tissue. These results show for the first time expression of PC2 in human pheochromocytomas which may be involved in the processing of proenkephalin.
MeSH terms
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
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Adrenal Glands / metabolism*
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Adrenal Glands / pathology
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Blotting, Northern / methods
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Enkephalins / analysis
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Enkephalins / biosynthesis*
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Gene Expression
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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In Situ Hybridization
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Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
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Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*
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Pheochromocytoma / pathology
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Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
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Proprotein Convertase 2
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Protein Precursors / analysis
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Protein Precursors / biosynthesis*
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational
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Reference Values
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Sensitivity and Specificity
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Subtilisins / analysis
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Subtilisins / biosynthesis*
Substances
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Enkephalins
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Protein Precursors
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proenkephalin
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Subtilisins
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Proprotein Convertase 2