Abstract
Background: The imprinted genes insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and H19 play important roles in various malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: We used DNA microarray and patient follow-up data to examine the relationship between expression of IGF2 and H19 and HCC. Results: We found that imbalances in levels of IGF2 and H19 transcripts were correlated with advanced tumor stage and poor outcome in HCC patients. Conclusion: In addition to their known epigenetic or genetic abnormality in malignancies, these findings suggest that altered transcription of these two imprinted genes contributes to progression of HCC.
Footnotes
- Received May 24, 2004.
- Accepted September 15, 2004.
- Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved