The distribution of the deleted in colon cancer (DCC) protein in human tissues.

Journal article

A gene called deleted in colon cancer (DCC) has been identified on a region of chromosome 18, which is deleted in 70% of colorectal cancers. The DCC gene encodes a protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily with similarity to the N-CAM transmembrane proteins and is a putative tumor-suppressor gene. Alternative splicing of transcripts of transmembrane proteins, including N-CAM, is known to occur, resulting in different isoforms of the protein. Using five antibodies against the DCC gene product (three monoclonal antibodies raised in our laboratory, one commercially available antibody, and a rabbit polyclonal antibody), we have demonstrated by immunostaining a DCC protein isoform in reticuloendothelial cells in human thymus, tonsil, and lymph node. This can be distinguished from another isoform described in normal colonic epithelium, because this latter is not demonstrable with the antibodies we have used. It could not be detected in normal colonic epithelium, polyps or colorectal carcinomas. This restrictive distribution suggests that not all DCC gene products are important in colonic cancer.

Authors: Turley, H; Pezzella, F; Kocialkowski, S; Comley, M; Kaklamanis, L

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Cancer research
• Volume: 55
• Issue: 23
• Pages: 5628-5631
• Publication date: 1995-12-01
• EISSN: 1538-7445
• ISSN: 0008-5472
• Language: English
• Keywords: Colon; 3T3 Cells; Receptors, Cell Surface; Intestinal Polyps; Colorectal Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Lymphoid Tissue; Kidney Glomerulus; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Humans; Mice; Animals