BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of known molecular markers that distinguish pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from other pancreatic tumor types. We hypothesized that novel markers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors could be identified with molecular fingerprinting of pooled RNA samples from core biopsies. METHODS: Total RNA was harvested from nine core biopsies of normal pancreas, pancreatitis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastases, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. RNA from each group of samples was pooled and hybridized to an oligonucleotide-based microarray. Four genes (ANG2, NPDC1, ELOVL4, and CALCR) were selected for further investigation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction from the top 20 highest expressed genes, on the basis of potential as novel markers. RESULTS: Neuroendocrine tumors were most unique from normal pancreas. Pancreatitis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and metastases are more closely related to each other and to normal pancreas. ANG2 was overexpressed in 89% of neuroendocrine tumors, compared with 22% of normal pancreas, making it the best potential molecular marker or therapeutic target of the four genes selected for analysis. CONCLUSION: We have identified a specific set of molecular markers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors distinct from pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These novel markers may prove useful as molecular markers or therapeutic targets unique to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of known molecular markers that distinguish pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from other pancreatic tumor types. We hypothesized that novel markers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors could be identified with molecular fingerprinting of pooled RNA samples from core biopsies. METHODS: Total RNA was harvested from nine core biopsies of normal pancreas, pancreatitis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastases, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. RNA from each group of samples was pooled and hybridized to an oligonucleotide-based microarray. Four genes (ANG2, NPDC1, ELOVL4, and CALCR) were selected for further investigation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction from the top 20 highest expressed genes, on the basis of potential as novel markers. RESULTS:Neuroendocrine tumors were most unique from normal pancreas. Pancreatitis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and metastases are more closely related to each other and to normal pancreas. ANG2 was overexpressed in 89% of neuroendocrine tumors, compared with 22% of normal pancreas, making it the best potential molecular marker or therapeutic target of the four genes selected for analysis. CONCLUSION: We have identified a specific set of molecular markers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors distinct from pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These novel markers may prove useful as molecular markers or therapeutic targets unique to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Authors: Aejaz Nasir; James Helm; Leslie Turner; Dung-Tsa Chen; Jonathan Strosberg; Naiel Hafez; Evita B Henderson-Jackson; Pamela Hodul; Marilyn M Bui; Nelly A Nasir; Ardeshir Hakam; Mokenge P Malafa; Timothy J Yeatman; Domenico Coppola; Larry K Kvols Journal: Pancreas Date: 2011-05 Impact factor: 3.327
Authors: Jennifer C Carr; Erin A Boese; Philip M Spanheimer; Fadi S Dahdaleh; Molly Martin; Daniel Calva; Blanca Schafer; David M Thole; Terry Braun; Thomas M O'Dorisio; M Sue O'Dorisio; James R Howe Journal: Surgery Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 3.982
Authors: Thorvardur R Halfdanarson; Joseph Rubin; Michael B Farnell; Clive S Grant; Gloria M Petersen Journal: Endocr Relat Cancer Date: 2008-06 Impact factor: 5.678
Authors: Edoardo Missiaglia; Irene Dalai; Stefano Barbi; Stefania Beghelli; Massimo Falconi; Marco della Peruta; Lorenzo Piemonti; Gabriele Capurso; Alessia Di Florio; Gianfranco delle Fave; Paolo Pederzoli; Carlo M Croce; Aldo Scarpa Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2009-11-16 Impact factor: 44.544