EXPRESSION OF PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH-FACTOR AND PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA IN A GLIOBLASTOMA FROM A PATIENT WITH LI-FRAUMENI SYNDROME

Expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF-receptor mRNA was examined from a glioblastoma taken from a patient with Li-Fra umeni syndrome. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridisation showe d very high concentrations of both PDGF-A and PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA in the tumour. The overall pattern of PDGF expression was similar to those found in sporadic glioblastomas. Mutations in p53 has been impli cated as an early pathogenic event leading to sporadic low grade astro cytomas, and is the third most common tumour type in patients with Li- Fraumeni syndrome, where they are predisposed due to a germline mutati on in the p53 tumour suppressor gene. This study suggests that progres sion towards a glioblastoma in both the general population and in pati ents with Li-Fraumeni syndrome may involve potential autocrine and par acrine stimulation by growth factors such as PDGF.