Expression of MAGE genes in testicular germ cell tumors

Objectives, Some of the MAGE gene family that encode tumor-rejection antige ns recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes are expressed at the mRNA level in various malignant tumors. However, these genes are silent in normal tissue s, except in the testis and placenta. It is therefore important to understa nd how MAGE gene expression changes with malignant transformation of the te stis. We investigated the expression of MAGE-1, -2, -3, and -4 genes at the mRNA level in testicular germ cell tumors. Methods. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for MAGE genes was performed using 32 testicular germ cell tumor specimens. Results. MACE-1, -2, -3, and -4 mRNA was detected in 16 (72%), 15 (68%), 18 (82%), and 17 (77%) of 22 patients with pure seminoma or mixed type with s eminomatous elements. MAGE-1, -2, -3, and -4 mRNA was found in 2 (20%), 5 ( 50%), 4 (40%), and 4 (40%) of 10 patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tu mor (NSGCT). The expression rate of MAGE-1, -3, and -4 mRNA was significant ly higher in patients with seminomatous elements than that in those with NS GCT. MACE expression did not correlate with disease progression. Conclusions, MACE genes are more preserved in seminoma than in NSGCT. This suggests that seminoma has traits more similar to normal testis than does N SGCT. (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.