MOLECULAR-GENETIC ALTERATIONS OF C-MYC ONCOGENE IN SUPERFICIAL AND LOCALLY ADVANCED BLADDER-CANCER

Objective: Gene activation and altered expression of cellular proto-on cogene are important mechanisms implicated in initiation and developme nt processes of human cancer. It has already been shown that c-myc onc ogene is implicated in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis an d differentiation. Methods: We have determined the methylation status, the presence of genetic amplification and the presence of m-RNA overe xpression of c-myc gene in 31 samples from patients with bladder carci nomas, Results: Our data demonstrated the presence of c-myc gene ampli fication only in 5 of 15 superficial bladder carcinomas (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we did not find statistical significant correlation b etween the methylation, expression of c-myc gene and the clinical-hist opathological parameters. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was fou nd between the methylation pattern and m-RNA overexpression of c-myc o ncogene. Conclusion: We demonstrate aberrant c-myc gene status in huma n bladder cancer. This oncogene is altered at different levels in blad der carcinoma genesis and progression.