Amplification of c-MYC oncogene and point mutation of N-RAS oncogene point mutation in acute myelocytic leukemias with double minute chromosomes

Leukemia. 1993 Mar;7(3):469-71.

Abstract

Two patients with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) showing double minute (dmin) chromosomes were analysed to identify oncogene activation. Cytogenetic analysis showed 1-53 dmin chromosomes with the normal karyotype in the first patient and 1-84 dmin chromosomes with complex chromosome aberrations. Analysis of DNA from two patients revealed five- to tenfold amplification of c-MYC oncogene in the leukemic cells. The other sixteen oncogenes studied showed no increase in the gene content. Furthermore, a transforming gene, N-RAS was detected in the first patient by nude mouse tumorigenicity assay (in vivo selection assay). These results suggest that the amplification of c-MYC gene is common in dmin-positive AML patients and co-ordination of c-MYC and N-RAS oncogene might also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of some AML patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chromosome Aberrations / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification / genetics*
  • Genes, myc / genetics*
  • Genes, ras / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics*
  • Male
  • Point Mutation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction