Abstract
The ZAC gene encodes a new zinc-finger protein that concomitantly induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and localizes to chromosome 6q24-q25, a well-known hot spot related to cancer. ZAC is highly expressed in the anterior pituitary gland, and its ablation by antisense targeting promotes pituitary cell proliferation. Here we investigate ZAC status in pituitary tumors to evaluate its role in pituitary tumorigenesis. Interestingly, a strong reduction or absence of ZAC mRNA and protein expression was detected in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, whereas in clinically active pituitary neoplasias, the decrease in ZAC expression was variable. Loss of expression was not associated with a mutation of the ZAC gene. Our observations suggest that alternative mechanisms of gene inactivation and/or altered regulation of the ZAC gene occur in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6794-6799 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Cancer Research |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 24 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 15 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research
- Oncology