Human embryonic genes re-expressed in cancer cells

Human preimplantation embryonic cells are similar in phenotype to cancer ce lls. Both types of cell undergo deprogramming to a proliferative stem cell state and become potentially immortal and invasive. To investigate the hypo thesis that embryonic genes are re-expressed in cancer cells, we prepare am plified cDNA from human individual preimplantation embryos and isolate embr yo-specific sequences. We show that three novel embryonic genes, and also t he known gene, OCT4, are expressed in human tumours but not expressed in no rmal somatic tissues. Genes specific to this unique phase of the human life cycle and not expressed in somatic cells may have greater potential for ta rgeting in cancer treatment.